Dr M: Iskandar is good, but new bridge is needed

(Bernama) – Singapore could benefit largely from the spillover effects from the development of the Iskandar region but first a new bridge is needed, says former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“It is a very good project but it will be even better if Singapore allows us to build a bridge and replace the Johore causeway,” he said, prompting laughter from some 400 business leaders attending the Ninth Forbes Global CEO Conference here today.

He was responding to a question on how Iskandar Malaysia will benefit Singapore and the future relationship between the two countries.

Dr Mahathir said the causeway was becoming congested and that would not be good for development.

“Don’t be nostalgic about the causeway, forget about it. We should replace the causeway…it is no longer useful. Yes, in 1923 the causeway was needed but in this 21st century, we need a bridge.

“So, stop making an issue about having a bridge, then everything will be fine,” said Dr Mahathir, who is also the advisor for national carmaker, Proton Holdings Bhd and national oil and gas corporation, Petroliam Nasional Bhd.