Johor DAP: Third link project should be the priority

KUALA LUMPUR: The “crooked bridge” that the Johor government plans to revive is not an immediate priority but the third link project is, says Liew Chin Tong.

The Johor DAP chairman said the party was prepared to support a third bridge linking Johor to Singapore as it was more important.

“The main focus should be to ensure a smooth flow of people and traffic on both sides.

“So, we think that the crooked bridge is not an immediate priority,” he told reporters at Parliament lobby yesterday.

Liew, who is Deputy Defence Minister, also said the government should focus on more urgent matters.

Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali said he would look into the proposal, adding that priority should be on projects that benefited the people.

The main focus should be to ensure a smooth flow of people and traffic on both sides. Liew Chin Tong

These would include projects such as roads and hospitals, he said.

The project, Azmin said, would depend on the country’s fiscal situation, which he described as “not good at present”.

“Once we see the proposal, the ministry will look into the matter and see whether we have the capacity at this point of time to continue with it,” he said, adding that it might be better for another time.

It has been reported that Johor plans to build a third bridge in Sungai Rengit in Pengerang, Kota Tinggi district to ease traffic congestion at the Johor Causeway and the Second Link Crossing.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian said the bridge would link the southeast part of Johor with Pulau Ubin in Singapore.

Meanwhile, the “crooked bridge” project has found another supporter in Youth and Sports Minister, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

Syed Saddiq, who is also Muar MP, said: “I support the Prime Minister’s decision. I look forward to discussing it in the Cabinet.”

On Tuesday, Osman said Dr Mahathir was keen on reviving the bridge and that the Johor government would meet the Singapore government at the end of the month to discuss several issues, including water price, bilateral development, investments and the crooked bridge project.

The meeting will be held either on Oct 27 or Oct 28 in Singapore and the Malaysian side will be led by Azmin.