Causeway must go, says Najib

[sirgalahad2010]

So says a report in today's Spore Straits Times.

Najib, after inspecting the RM1.4 billion Southern Integrated Gateway project in JB, was reported to have declared that it was "imperative" that the Causeway be demolished but gave no timeframe for when this ought to take place.

Quotes from the report:

Najib: "This is our right as a sovereign nation and nobody can question or deny our right to build the bridge". This is with reference to the "scenic" bridge.

Najib: "We hope that Singapore will think deep and hard about the importance of the project for bilateral relations. That should be overriding priority. There should also be the principle of give and take on the part of Singapore, in the spirit of good neighbourly relations".

Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad, MP for Johor Bahru, in calling for an end to bilateral talks: "Forget about Singapore...we've had enough of threats from Singapore".

Looks as though someone is gonna say "see you in court"!

[patwon]

i tell you another abandoned project.Singapore will bring the case to world court because it involved two countries.

[chin_wan]

I'd like to see a showdown where Malaysians are not able to get to Singapore to work. Let's see how Singapore survive without Malaysian Labourers.

Sorry...I don't really like the Singaporean Govt.

[patwon]

why not build underground tunnels to link malaysia to singapore ,so that we can travel and admire underwater world

[USJ27Resident]

thinking out aloud...

me think that Singapore is behaving just like any other (cheapskate?) neighbour... you see, its just like if you need to build/renovate your backyard or to build a wall, you'd talk to your neighbor about sharing the cost... his answer would "usually" be "..no-lah, you go ahead la... build that wall... I got no intention of having a wall in the first place... ". You then proceed to build that wall. Then 1 or 2 months down the line, your neighbour saves a heap on the cost... :p

I am pretty sure that Singapore wouldn't disagree to having that stupid bridge if Malaysia (was stupid enough!?) to offer to build that whole bridge in the first place...

true?

[Pak Kadok]

I'd like to see a showdown where Malaysians are not able to get to Singapore to work. Let's see how Singapore survive without Malaysian Labourers.

Sorry...I don't really like the Singaporean Govt.

Going by your rather simple rationale, why stop there?!

Why don't we get the farmers in Cameron Highlands to stop exporting their farm produce to Singapore?! That way we can starve those Singaporeans!

Why don't we get the livestock farmers (chickens, chicken eggs, ducks, pork & what not) from Malaysia to stop exporting to Singapore, so that we can yet again starve them?!

Why don't we just disallow Singaporeans from going to JB & Genting to enjoy themselves with their big Sing $$$ so that we can deny them of any cheap entertainment that they are so "hard-up" for?!!

Why don't we just totally boycott them & impose economic sanctions on them, so as to isolate them?!

Like it or not, Singapore is a country that will continue to move forward.

Words churned out due to envy will, most probably, make us stand out like a laughing stock in the eyes of the world!

[dragonfly]

I'd like to see a showdown where Malaysians are not able to get to Singapore to work. Let's see how Singapore survive without Malaysian Labourers.

Sorry...I don't really like the Singaporean Govt.

Err....chin wan....are you going to employ the hundreds of thousands of Malaysian workers....so that they can feed their families? With such a high rate of unemployment here who needs who most!

[tempuadua]

why not build underground tunnels to link malaysia to singapore ,so that we can travel and admire underwater world
We will be facing the same problem again if singapore refuse to build their portion of the tunnel. Malaysia can only build the tunnel up to it's (underwater) border. I believe singapore government will even strongly oppose your proposal because it will threat their "underwater exhibition" business. Remember, they only agree to the bridge if they think it will benefit them (read only if malaysia agree to concede something to them).

[wanmei]

why not build underground tunnels to link malaysia to singapore ,so that we can travel and admire underwater world

underwater world?....what to see...the water dirty & filthy (straits of johor)

[tempuadua]

Err....chin wan....are you going to employ the hundreds of thousands of Malaysian workers....so that they can feed their families? With such a high rate of unemployment here who needs who most!
Don't worry. If Malaysian workers (mostly factory workers in Singapore) cannot work in Singapore, the factory owners in singapore (who are mostly foreign-owned company) will move their factory to Malaysia.

[KelvC]

May i ask an obvious question:

1. What does Malaysia stand to gain if this bridge is built?

2. What does Malaysia stand to loose if this bridge does not obtain the go-ahead?

3. What does Singapore stand to gain if this bridge is built?

4. What does Singapore stand to loose if this bridge does not obtain the go-ahead?

[USJ27Resident]

[QUOTE=KelvC]May i ask an obvious question:

1. What does Malaysia stand to gain if this bridge is built?

A. A scenic view of the Tebrau Straits?
B. Well-connected construction company and "datuk" making some money?

2. What does Malaysia stand to loose if this bridge does not obtain the go-ahead?

A. Well connected contruction company and "datuk" not making some money!
B. Well connected contruction company and "datuk" going "bust"

3. What does Singapore stand to gain if this bridge is built?

A. Nothing... ??

4. What does Singapore stand to loose if this bridge does not obtain the go-ahead?

A. Nothing... ??


answers are highlighted in blue... :p

[expat1609]

Singapore has one year to make up mind

BY NELSON BENJAMIN AND MARSHA TAN

JOHOR BARU: The clock has started ticking and Singapore has about a year to join in the building of the “scenic bridge” before works on the Malaysian side of the project pass “the point of no return.”

With works already in progress since Jan 18, the new link is expected to be completed and fully operational by April 2009.

An official familiar with the project said the initial soil testing has begun.

“Once full construction on the bridge takes off in the coming weeks, the bridge will reach the curve within one year and this is the point of no return,” he said, referring to the point where the new link would have to curve to join the existing Causeway if Singapore decided against a full bridge.

Options for the project are a scenic half bridge, a scenic full bridge or a straight bridge.

Asked what would happen if Singapore only made a decision after works had passed the curve, the official said it would be up to the Malaysian Government.

“If the Government wants to go back to the original straight bridge or even allow Singapore to join the scenic bridge project after a year, there will be added cost which can run into millions of ringgit,” he said.

Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir Samad urged the Government to discontinue negotiations with Singapore if the republic remained “arrogant.”

“We have already negotiated for two years but during this point we have been threatened,” he said.

The Star reported on Saturday that the 23-month delay in starting the new link to Singapore to replace the Causeway would cost the Government an additional RM70mil by the time it was completed in April 2009.

This sum includes RM50mil to build a temporary access road from the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex and the additional amount to cover the rising cost of steel, raw materials and fuel charges incurred by the contractors.

Under the RM1.113bil agreement signed between the Government and Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd for the 1.2km link in May 2003, the cable-stayed bridge – which will reach only halfway across the waterway – was to have been ready at the end of last year.

However, after Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took over as Prime Minister, he allowed a cooling period from February 2004 to January this year to allow room for negotiations with the republic.

Malaysia is trying to persuade Singapore to build a full bridge jointly.

Negotiations with Singapore were first carried out in Putrajaya in July 2002, followed by four more formal meetings with the latest held in Putrajaya this month.
---The Star 19-3-2006---

so if they (singapura) say no, malaysia has the most expensive u-turn/dead end-road in history, or what ??? :eek: :confused:

[layman]

I'd like to see a showdown where Malaysians are not able to get to Singapore to work. Let's see how Singapore survive without Malaysian Labourers.

Sorry...I don't really like the Singaporean Govt.


import from batam bintan and JKt- they have surplus of labour

if not feasible sourced from china bangla and india

no problem mate

[Dr. J George]

It is easy to talk!

Check the Tourism Statistics:

Singaporeans are the largest single number.

If they decide to boycott us the effects will be felt from Johor Baru to Perlis!

As far as consumables are concerned - one can easily change sources of such imports but the pertinent question is who will be hurt most in losing a business outlet for its products?

Same goes to the Malaysian labor force?

At least they are decent to our workers unlike our RELA rascals with foreign workers in Malaysia! :eek:

As for politicians - Easy for politicians to double talk but these same fellas have major interest in Singapore too? ;)

[sirgalahad2010]

Err, just who are these politicians who have major interests in Spore?

Hard facts. please, not innuendo, rumours and scuttlebutt!

And, to keep things even, are there Spore politicians with major interests in Msia?

Just asking the obvious.......

[Dr. J George]

I sincerely doubt that any have 'private or personal interests' - in the same manner ours have in many places - and of late in Australia! :D

[sirgalahad2010]

Just stick to the point, please - who are the Msian politicians with major interests in Spore?

[Dr. J George]

It is easy to write as you do under a pseudo and like you claim from the USA!
But we are here logging in without masks! Bear that always in mind whoever you really are!

[tempuadua]

If they decide to boycott us the effects will be felt from Johor Baru to Perlis!
We should not be afraid of this. The destructive consequences are mutual. But in a long term, Singapore will suffer more than Malaysia. Malaysia is a self-contained nation. But for Singapore, even their toilet papers are imported frm Malaysia.

[layman]

Just stick to the point, please - who are the Msian politicians with major interests in Spore?


if u are indeed following the local poltical scene

u SHOULD KNOW who the vested parties the good DR is alluding to

[Jose Mourinho]

We should not be afraid of this. The destructive consequences are mutual. But in a long term, Singapore will suffer more than Malaysia. Malaysia is a self-contained nation. But for Singapore, even their toilet papers are imported frm Malaysia.

Malaysia is a self-contained nation? Singapore cannot import toilet paper from Indonesia ar?

[orchipalar]

Hard facts. please, not innuendo, rumours and scuttlebutt!

And, to keep things even, are there Spore politicians with major interests in Msia?

Just asking the obvious.......
Just stick to the point, please - who are the Msian politicians with major interests in Spore?Err...dear Sir:)...you speak as though...ya may know exactly the answers to your own questions...

Ahem...why don't you enlighten us for a change...?

[orchipalar]

Malaysia is a self-contained nation.Err...huh?...how come Orchi doesn't know that yet...??? :confused:

[sirgalahad2010]

But if you have hard evidence, or facts, to back you up, then what have you to fear?

Or don't you have the courage of your own convictions? To stand up for what you believe is right?

Seems to me that it is easy to post rumours, innuendoes and slanders in threads and posts like these, but it is not easy to come up with supporting evidence.

And why should it matter if I post from the US or Spore, or if I post under a pseudonym? At least, I don't go around making claims or accusations!

Yep - talk is cheap!!!

[Dr. J George]

Seems to me that it is easy to post rumours, innuendoes and slanders in threads and posts like these, but it is not easy to come up with supporting evidence.

And why should it matter if I post from the US or Spore, or if I post under a pseudonym? At least, I don't go around making claims or accusations!


JG replies - good, so can you start posting with immedite effect under your own name, address and contact number?

Yeah you said it - talk is cheap so is preaching and hypocritically taking the moral high ground! ;)

[tupai]

aiyoh yoh...the scenic cum crooked cum cynic bridge is only part of the bigger equation tied to ktm station land, water, airspace, cpf, braindrain and other spy-versus-spy stuff that if we knew, we will be shot under OSA, ISA, BSA, NBA,MMA, IKNW act lah! :(

Fact not protect by above acts:
-70-85% of tourist arrivals to M'sia come from 3.7million sporeans...year on year regardless of our Tourism M's target of 5million, 10million or 15million arrivals.
- Maybank was the first bank to have ATMs installed in gentingHlds...certainly not so much for m'sian BUT more for the s'poreans. I know cos I did the cross-border mkt'g campaign :D
- 30-45% of cameron veg goes to spore and average up to 10% kena kicked back for OD of pesticide..(rejects ended up in selayang :eek:
- m'sian porkey is still NOT allowed into s'pore. They still have doubt with our non-beta agonis claims + the nipah thingy + garbage feeds. :eek:
- 90% of East coast island resorts depend on 60% sporean visitors. :D

thats all i can disclose..anything else, I tell you, I will have to kill you :D

Yang Amat Berahsia lato tupai:p

[Dr. J George]

Bro Tupai - you are the mann! Well put! :D

[Rocky19]

JG replies - good, so can you start posting with immedite effect under your own name, address and contact number?

Yeah you said it - talk is cheap so is preaching and hypocritically taking the moral high ground! ;)
DJG,

Some ppl cos they are just a nick, they act and talk big.some even hit below the belt. But tell them to reveal themselves eg attend TT and mingle, they have no guts to show up even once and they will never sign up using their real name either and post here.

Spore needs Msia as much as Msia needs Spore. Can one live without the other, yes most probably but they are better of living together side by side.

[HTH]

May i ask an obvious question:

1. What does Malaysia stand to gain if this bridge is built?

2. What does Malaysia stand to loose if this bridge does not obtain the go-ahead?

3. What does Singapore stand to gain if this bridge is built?

4. What does Singapore stand to loose if this bridge does not obtain the go-ahead?

I think the main issue here is the competition between Singapore ports and Malaysian ports (Tanjung Pelepas in this case). With the current causeway, big ships are unable to pass thru, thus they have to round Singapore. So, more economical to stop at Sg ports lar.
With the new crooked bridge, the big ships can 'shortcut' thru the Straits of Johor, and stop at Tanjung Pelepas. In this case, Sg will lose a lot of business and it's a gain for Malaysia.

The existing bridge was built in 1924, at that time, Malaya & Sg are still one. So no competition mar, at that time.

[sirgalahad2010]

Ooh, struck some sensitive nerves, did we?

I suppose that Jeff Ooi, MGG Pillai and that guy in PAS who is being sued by ECM Libra don't have the courage of their convictions? After all, they name names, and are willing to be sued by their targets.

That is standing in the front line and taking the bullet for your opinions.

I don't have anything to apologise for - I have not made any wild claims or accusations, other than quoting from published newspaper reports, and commenting on developments in the banking field and in telecoms - both areas in which I have some little expertise.

Certainly not the "moral high ground"! After all, it is said in the Bible that one should be wary of hypocrites who pull long faces when they fast, and who do good in full public view. Appropriate for this time of Lent!

[layman]

Ooh, struck some sensitive nerves, did we?

I suppose that Jeff Ooi, MGG Pillai and that guy in PAS who is being sued by ECM Libra don't have the courage of their convictions? After all, they name names, and are willing to be sued by their targets.

That is standing in the front line and taking the bullet for your opinions.

I don't have anything to apologise for - I have not made any wild claims or accusations, other than quoting from published newspaper reports, and commenting on developments in the banking field and in telecoms - both areas in which I have some little expertise.

Certainly not the "moral high ground"! After all, it is said in the Bible that one should be wary of hypocrites who pull long faces when they fast, and who do good in full public view. Appropriate for this time of Lent!


well i am sure u r fearless quoting from the newsprint or perhaps you are just a sly armchair critic with little substance and convistion and analytical skills afterall

yes indeed we are all afraid of lawsuits ISA etc simply becos we are ordinary mortals not the alien u r

well return to this land of yours and start a crusade and we will surely be sympathetic to ur cause if any

[sirgalahad2010]

I think that the Christian Bible says something like: "He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone at her" (John 8).

And since my conscience is nowhere as pure as driven snow, I wouldn't dream of being the first to cast the stone.

But it seems that many are happy to cast the first stone.

[layman]

I think that the Christian Bible says something like: "He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone at her" (John 8).

And since my conscience is nowhere as pure as driven snow, I wouldn't dream of being the first to cast the stone.

But it seems that many are happy to cast the first stone.

casting aspersion on the motives of others and hiding behind the HOLY ABC is irrefutable evidence of the real cowardice of the one hypocrite -thats according to my bible

[sirgalahad2010]

Well...let's see. I wasn't the one who claimed that Msian politicians have major interests in Spore.

And MGG Pillai, for instance, names names in his commentaries, without fear or favour.

And since my conscience is by no means clean, I would not wish to cast the first stone. But it is permissible to comment on those who wish to do so.

And, please, give the Christian Bible due respect. Even if you do not agree with what it says.

[layman]

Well...let's see. I wasn't the one who claimed that Msian politicians have major interests in Spore.

And MGG Pillai, for instance, names names in his commentaries, without fear or favour.

And since my conscience is by no means clean, I would not wish to cast the first stone. But it is permissible to comment on those who wish to do so.

And, please, give the Christian Bible due respect. Even if you do not agree with what it says.

MGG pillai is a veteran journalist in politics

are u suggesting that contributors to the USJ.com are seasoned commentators as well ?

u started to quote ABC from your holy book

whats wrong with me posting remarks on my personal bible which obviously is different from urs

[AllUrban]

aiyoh yoh...the scenic cum crooked cum cynic bridge is only part of the bigger equation tied to ktm station land, water, airspace, cpf, braindrain and other spy-versus-spy stuff that if we knew, we will be shot under OSA, ISA, BSA, NBA,MMA, IKNW act lah! :(

thats all i can disclose..anything else, I tell you, I will have to kill you :D

Yang Amat Berahsia lato tupai:p

hmmmm....still heard nothing at all about what will happen to the KTM service...

Inquiring minds want to know.

Cheers, m

[AllUrban]

This view of the "straight" bridge shows a very nice design...

cheers, m

[idolfan]

I think the main issue here is the competition between Singapore ports and Malaysian ports (Tanjung Pelepas in this case). With the current causeway, big ships are unable to pass thru, thus they have to round Singapore. So, more economical to stop at Sg ports lar.
With the new crooked bridge, the big ships can 'shortcut' thru the Straits of Johor, and stop at Tanjung Pelepas. In this case, Sg will lose a lot of business and it's a gain for Malaysia.

The existing bridge was built in 1924, at that time, Malaya & Sg are still one. So no competition mar, at that time.

Neither side has mentioned much about whether the bridge will allow big ships to pass thru and bypass PSA to use PTP. Neither has the press made it an issue. I may be wrong but I think the design will only allow smaller ships like cruise ships or pleasure craft to pass thru.

As for the railway with the crooked bridge.. certainly would be some technological feat.. maybe it shuld be posed as a riddle .. wonder why the press has also not raised it. Sure hope some resourceful person is able to dig up info on who sits on the G perdana board and stands to make some good money.

[Pak Kadok]

Neither side has mentioned much about whether the bridge will allow big ships to pass thru and bypass PSA to use PTP. Neither has the press made it an issue. I may be wrong but I think the design will only allow smaller ships like cruise ships or pleasure craft to pass thru.

As for the railway with the crooked bridge.. certainly would be some technological feat.. maybe it shuld be posed as a riddle .. wonder why the press has also not raised it. Sure hope some resourceful person is able to dig up info on who sits on the G perdana board and stands to make some good money.

I am just wondering, even if all the so-called big ships can pass thru the Tambak once the Tambak is gone, wouldn't the Second Link block these very same big ships from passing thru & continuing with their journeys?!

If, indeed, the Second Link becomes "kacau daun", wouldn't the money to be spent on "lifting-up" the Tambak be a waste & that all dreams of getting big ships to "by-pass" Temasek would be nothing but dreams?

I am just wondering, that's all.

[tupai]

This view of the "straight" bridge shows a very nice design...

cheers, m

If u r privy to see the mockup of the straight bridge, u will notice that the extreme left & right lane belongs to the bikes..and those bike lanes had been painted orange colour :D hehhehehheh...

ktm service stops in JB period. the station land in spore? hush, hush....

big ships to pass under the bridge...crooked or straight or whatever?? get real...its too shallow to take the heavies. Dredging the channel on both side of the straits will also be another international dispute/feat/court action... Big ship to pass just under the crooked bridge? hahahahhah...Ganga side is deep water, woodland side is shallow water...what? the silt/earth doesn't move??hahahhahhh. :D :D another miracle thru sheer engineering feat. :p

yang amat berkonfius lato tupai

[Dr. J George]

'another miracle thru sheer engineering feat' :)

heh bro tupai ini possible lah - with a company from Kuala Langat or Sungai Patani with paid up capital of RM2.00 provided it is a multi billion ringgit operation with possibility of hundreds of VOs? :D

Sini semua bolih :D

[expat1609]

Singapore has one year to make up mind

BY NELSON BENJAMIN AND MARSHA TAN

JOHOR BARU: The clock has started ticking and Singapore has about a year to join in the building of the “scenic bridge” before works on the Malaysian side of the project pass “the point of no return.”

With works already in progress since Jan 18, the new link is expected to be completed and fully operational by April 2009.

An official familiar with the project said the initial soil testing has begun.

“Once full construction on the bridge takes off in the coming weeks, the bridge will reach the curve within one year and this is the point of no return,” he said, referring to the point where the new link would have to curve to join the existing Causeway if Singapore decided against a full bridge.

Options for the project are a scenic half bridge, a scenic full bridge or a straight bridge.

Asked what would happen if Singapore only made a decision after works had passed the curve, the official said it would be up to the Malaysian Government.

“If the Government wants to go back to the original straight bridge or even allow Singapore to join the scenic bridge project after a year, there will be added cost which can run into millions of ringgit,” he said.

Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir Samad urged the Government to discontinue negotiations with Singapore if the republic remained “arrogant.”

“We have already negotiated for two years but during this point we have been threatened,” he said.

The Star reported on Saturday that the 23-month delay in starting the new link to Singapore to replace the Causeway would cost the Government an additional RM70mil by the time it was completed in April 2009.

This sum includes RM50mil to build a temporary access road from the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex and the additional amount to cover the rising cost of steel, raw materials and fuel charges incurred by the contractors.

Under the RM1.113bil agreement signed between the Government and Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd for the 1.2km link in May 2003, the cable-stayed bridge – which will reach only halfway across the waterway – was to have been ready at the end of last year.

However, after Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took over as Prime Minister, he allowed a cooling period from February 2004 to January this year to allow room for negotiations with the republic.

Malaysia is trying to persuade Singapore to build a full bridge jointly.

Negotiations with Singapore were first carried out in Putrajaya in July 2002, followed by four more formal meetings with the latest held in Putrajaya this month.
---The Star 19-3-2006---

so if they (singapura) say no, malaysia has the most expensive u-turn/dead end-road in history, or what ??? :eek: :confused:

sorry for asking again, is that what it means or did i get something wrong ?

[Dr. J George]

in this country some may feel this is yet another milestone in engineering feat and that the said mega project another historical landmark of our success story told and retold and a tourist destination! :D

We can charge 'entry fee' for tourist wanting to take a walk up 'the bridge to nowhere?' :rolleyes:

as for our 'crony contractors and their political masters' what do they care - as long as they are paid and that they will be :eek:

[HTH]

Neither side has mentioned much about whether the bridge will allow big ships to pass thru and bypass PSA to use PTP. Neither has the press made it an issue. I may be wrong but I think the design will only allow smaller ships like cruise ships or pleasure craft to pass thru.


Found this in a logistic company website: look under "
PTP feeder service to be implemented soon"
http://www.transworld.com.vn/news_detail.asp?ID=-1&CID=68&IDN=892

also reported in BBC.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4652984.stm

PakKadok, not sure what size of ships can pass thru the Second Link but I think medium sized commercial ships shud be no problem. When driving, the bridge is 'elevated' (uphill drive). On the Second Link, the malaysian main navigation channel is 75m wide by 25m high.

[sirgalahad2010]

It cannot be a "strange bridge to nowhere" if it leads to the Spore half of the Causeway.

Maybe the ICJ and ITLOS will have the last word on this issue.

[Dr. J George]

"so if they (singapura) say no, malaysia has the most expensive u-turn/dead end-road in history, or what ???"

Hello sirgalahad2010 or whatever your real name is!

I was agreeing & commenting on saudara expat1609 earlier comment
lah!

Sibuk kaki! Baca dan faham dulu daa!

Perhaps he has some strange fascination for me?

Bro Tupai - I hope it is not what I think it is! :eek:

But if she - steady lah bro :D !

[sirgalahad2010]

Sorry, but if the "scenic bridge" is to link up to the Spore half of the Causeway, then how can the former be a non-existent link suspended in mid-air?

Are you even hinting that Singapore will blockade the Causeway on their side if Msia builds the scenic bridge and wants to link it to the Causeway? That is a very dangerous way to go.

In any case, both sides are playing poker; each is hoping that the other will chicken out and fold. The long-term connotations are not good.

And I don't have any strange fascination for anybody. Maybe its wishful thinking on your part! Not getting enough "action" mah???? ;)

[JackRyan1975]

I do not see what else is there left to negotiate between M'sia and S'pore. M'sia already decided to build it's half of the bridge, regardless of S'pore's decision, and that is sufficient to serve it's interest.

Malaysia's got the upper hand in this one, unless it is in a charitable mood to give away it's airspace and sell sand to Singapore in exchange for the other inconsequential half of the bridge.

[Pak Kadok]

I do not see what else is there left to negotiate between M'sia and S'pore. M'sia already decided to build it's half of the bridge, regardless of S'pore's decision, and that is sufficient to serve it's interest.

Malaysia's got the upper hand in this one, unless it is in a charitable mood to give away it's airspace and sell sand to Singapore in exchange for the other inconsequential half of the bridge.

What about the freaking railing line that is now running in a straight line?!

So, it will be a crooked railway line but if it is too crooked, would the long line of coaches be able to pass?

Or KTM will just stop its services in JB?

[lord]

If you watched the news last nite, you would have caught Datuk Bung shouting and banging table, condemning S'pore and its ministers. He is sick, tired, dissapointed, you name it, he is feeling it, bro. And then, he goes on and says, 'ayam dia makan kita punya, buah dia makan, kita punya, air dia minum, kita punya....' Even the pasir story was dragged in. (and I always thought they paid money for all these things, Stupid me). He's mad, dead mad why Spore is taking so long to decide on the bridge. He's mad why our group of ministers are kow-towing to them. Oh man... that guy was one mad dude!!!!

And then, this morning I read in the Star about our Deputy Agri Min. Datuk Mah short of begging the Sporean gov to lift the ban on poultry products from Perak. If I was reading the paper in my 'throne', I would have dunked the biggest dump of my life.

This only goes to show how dumb and egoistic your elected representatives are. These days, even a nasi lemak seller knows not to step on anyones toes because you don't know whose a$$ you have to kiss tomorrow. But we are talking about our Members of Parliament what. Learned buggers. I'm sure they know what they are doing, just like the other things they are still doing.

As for sirgalahad2010, after reading your short banter with the good DR, a short story came to mind.

Once Clinton came to visit Malaysia. One of the places he visited was Tanjung Rambutan Mental Hospital. While he was there, talking and minggling with the patients, he noticed a man oblivious to Clinton's presence. He was minding his own business looking at the clouds above and was in a deep thought. Clinton was disturbed by this as he feels that this guy does not respect him as a President of USA like the rest. So he walks up to this guy, pats his back and asks, "Do you know who I am?" The guy cooly turns and shrugs. Clinton reveals to him in a deep clear voice,"I am the President Of the United States of America, you know?!"

Hearing this the guy puts his arms around Clinton and says very slowly and sadly,"Brother, I was just like you before I came here. Now, I am all cured. Don't worry, the doctors here are well trained!!"

Same goes for you srigala, your quest for transperency, accountability, responsibility, profitability and everything ...ability, we have been there before, bought the t-shirt, read the book. These days we are happy if our postings are understood by atleast 5 guys. Anything more is a bonus. So, leave the lent season and good friday at the side and enjoy the ride, bro. There are other things to worry about.

The good dr has the flood to worry, yes or no doc?!!

[Dr. J George]

very true lah bro! :o

These days cannot go anywhere without checking the home front every 30 mins on 'ground conditions!'

Not only me but everyone else living at this housing estate too.

A GP friend who finished medical school with my wife and having a practice here told me that if the flood strikes again she will move!

The last one whacked her for RM180,000.00 - funiture, equipment, medications, medical doc, ECG and other sensitive medical equipment were all ruined etc etc!

This is really bad.

The good news - my telephone lines just got fixed after a wait of 23 days and over 44 franctic calls!

[Teeque]

I do not see what else is there left to negotiate between M'sia and S'pore. M'sia already decided to build it's half of the bridge, regardless of S'pore's decision, and that is sufficient to serve it's interest.

Malaysia's got the upper hand in this one, unless it is in a charitable mood to give away it's airspace and sell sand to Singapore in exchange for the other inconsequential half of the bridge.

No Jack. Malaysia 'thinks' it has the upperhand and is calling SG's bluff. The pot involves the railway lines and land in SG, the 'jewel in the crown' in the negotiations. SG is unperturbed and upping the stakes every time. Thats why our gomen is so frustrated and mad that things are not moving and SG not budging frm their stand.

The railway lines passes thru a prime piece of real estate in SG (Bkt Timah) and stops in the CBD, right opposite the PSA. Very expensive parcels of real estate in SG. The SG govt wants Malaysia to give up the parcels of land for a reasonable price but our gomen is asking for a premium. If a crooked, 'scenic' bridge is built, KTM would be unable to hv a rail service to the heart of SG and so the rail lines and land is useless (and worthless) to KTM and Malaysia.

[JackRyan1975]

No Jack. Malaysia 'thinks' it has the upperhand and is calling SG's bluff.

I was challenging the govt to go ahead with its half of the bridge without any further negotiations. By anchoring it's position by starting works on the half-bridge, it is not giving S'pore any face-saving chance to say yes to a full bridge. Singapore now will surely not budge other than being given other goodies. It's now a matter of each one's pain threshold when the elbow is being twisted.

[sirgalahad2010]

I don't think that KTM is making big bucks by taking passengers and freight to Spore. Might as well terminate the service at JB.

The future of KTM's land parcels in Spore was covered in the agreement between Msia and Spore that was negotiated by Daim and LKY. As I understand it, the KTM land will either be jointly developed or will revert to Spore if the train service is stopped.

I think the only thing that Spore is really concerned about is how the water pipeline will run when the scenic bridge is built. I think that a new underwater pipeline will have to be built between JB and Spore, assuming, of course, that Spore still wants to buy water from Msia in future, or if Msia still wants to sell water to Spore. In any case, Spore claims that it can be 100% self-sufficient in water, so it should be no big deal for them if there is a water pipeline or not.

But there will be problems if both Indonesia and Msia stop selling sand to Spore. It will make the cost of land reclamation in the republic very expensive.

Like I said, its a game of high-stakes poker. And Hamid Albar is having to fight off charges that Wisma Putra has conceded too much to Spore. Looks as though he has been caught up in Umno's internal politics.

[tupai]

man! its sure is tough claiming to be a big abang when the adik next door got a bigger stick and sharper teeth :( ... life a bitch.

yang amat blur lato tupai :confused:

[sirgalahad2010]

Care to elaborate? Or are we to guess? :confused:

[AllUrban]

Don;t forget about the other abang :)

From the CIA World FactbookIndonesia has a GDP of 899bn USD, compared to Malaysia at 248 bn USD, according to purchasing power parity (http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/rankorder/2001rank.html).

According to official exchange rate (http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/rankorder/2195rank.html), Indonesia has a GDP of 245.3 bn compared to 124.1 bn for Malaysia

Shocked quite a few of my students with those statistics :P

Cheers, m

[sirgalahad2010]

Well - Indonesia has an airforce where most of its front-line aircraft can't/don't fly and a navy that is desperately short of modern technology ships.

And it has a rich-poor divide that could undermine the social fabric in the long-term, and creeping Islamicisation.

At least the RMAF can get its MiGs and Hornets off the ground! And the MMA and the RMN seem to be reasonably well-equipped, although the OPV imbroglio may have affected operational readiness.

Wat all these have to do with the Causeway issue is anybody's guess, although I note that Tun Dr M has commented again vis-a-vis Spore.

[Teeque]

Found a model pic of the Scenic bridge on Gerbang Perdana's website. It seems that there will be a rail swing-bridge as pictured in the foreground of the pic below. It is to facilitate the passage of small boats and barges. The water pipelines will also be realigned and probably run underground. So, the status quo remains and the initial work to go on.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c334/MYraf/USJ/Scenic_bridge2.jpg

[tempuadua]

Don;t forget about the other abang :)

From the CIA World FactbookIndonesia has a GDP of 899bn USD, compared to Malaysia at 248 bn USD, according to purchasing power parity (http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/rankorder/2001rank.html).

According to official exchange rate (http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/rankorder/2195rank.html), Indonesia has a GDP of 245.3 bn compared to 124.1 bn for Malaysia

Shocked quite a few of my students with those statistics :P

Cheers, m
Shocking indeed!! With that kind of statistics, I wonder why none of us want to migrate to Indonesia, or for that matter why some Indonesians are still risking their lives to come to Malaysia!!