PUTRAJAYA: The construction cost of the third bridge linking Singapore and Malaysia will be borne by both countries if it takes off, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The decision on when construction could begin would depend on the outcome of a feasibility study, said Najib, adding that Singapore has again expressed interest in the third bridge through its Mentor Minister Lee Kuan Yew when they met recently.
He said the bridge could help bring development to the eastern side of Johor up to Desaru and Mersing and even benefit Rompin and Kuantan in Pahang and parts of Terengganu.
The Singaporeans had even said that the bridge could lead to greater development that would make Desaru on par with Nusa Jaya in Bali.
“I have asked (Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department) Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop to discuss the matter as soon as possible and appoint consultants for a feasibility study that will include the construction cost,” Najib told a press conference after attending the 2010 Budget consultation meeting at the Finance Ministry here yesterday.
On another matter, Najib said that he has to weigh greater economic liberalisation and ensuring bumiputra companies are not sidelined. “There are ways to help bumiputra companies be more resilient and competitive.” He said he stood by his commitment to ensure that the needs of every community would be addressed under the 1Malaysia concept. Asked to comment on the recent outbreak of violence in southern Thailand, Najib said Malaysia would continue to provide help including vocational training and education to the communities there.
Najib also commended US President Barack Obama for saying that the United States is seeking to resolve problems between the Muslim world and the West, and promised that the plight of the Palestinians would not be sidelined.
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