Friday, May 22, 2009

Malaysia-Singapore joint committee to discuss bridge linking eastern Johor & Singapore

SINGAPORE: Malaysia and Singapore will look into the possibility of linking up the eastern side of Johor and the Republic with a new bridge, said the prime ministers of both countries on Friday.

This proposal will be studied by the joint ministerial committee, which has already been set up to look into the development of Iskandar Malaysia.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak, who is in Singapore for an introductory visit, announced this at a joint news conference

Both leaders said they also discussed the possibilities of iconic projects between the two countries.

On Mr Najib's proposal to set up a wellness centre in Iskandar Malaysia, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee felt this could be expanded into a township.

This proposal will also be discussed by the joint ministerial committee, which is led by Singapore's National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan and Nor Mohamed Yakcop from the Prime Minister's Office in Malaysia.

Turning to the Points of Agreement (POA) between both countries, both leaders agreed that it had dragged on for too long for nearly 18 years after it was signed.

Hence, they have asked the foreign ministers of both countries to meet to implement the POA and to resolve the matter.

Earlier in the day, the Malaysian Premier and his wife were at the Singapore Botanic Gardens where an orchid was named after the visiting dignitaries.

Mr Najib, who is accompanied by his wife and several ministers, was introduced to Cabinet Ministers, top civil servants and members of the diplomatic community.

He is also set to meet Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and call on President SR Nathan.

- CNA/yb

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