Malaysia considers reviving Mahathir’s ‘crooked bridge’ project to Singapore

Senior Malaysian government official says two-decade-old plan to build a crossing that would allow ships to pass under it could be back on – but Singapore could well have a differing opinion

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Malaysia’s Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:32pm, 16 Oct 2018Updated: 8:47pm, 16 Oct 2018

A two-decade-old plan by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to build a new “crooked bridge” between his country and Singapore – much to the chagrin of the Lion City’s leaders – may be revived, a senior official in his government has said.

This lends further weight to observers’ earlier warnings that Mahathir’s return as prime minister could see more uncertainty in bilateral ties with Singapore, after a period of warmth during the era of his predecessor Najib Razak.

Osman Sapian – chief minister of the Malaysian state of Johor, which neighbours Singapore – told reporters in parliament the bridge plan would be discussed in a bilateral ministerial meeting later this month.

Apart from investment opportunities and the price Singapore pays Malaysia for a supply of fresh water, “we might also discuss the crooked bridge project with them to see if they want to join us … and also the third bridge project”, Osman told reporters at the sidelines of a parliament sitting.

The third bridge is a separate proposal for a new bridge between the two countries. The neighbours are currently connected by two land bridges – the 95-year-old Causeway and a Second Link built in 1998.

During his first stint as prime minister, from 1981 to 2003, Mahathir had proposed the so-called crooked bridge as a replacement for the Causeway, which was built by former colonial rulers Britain.

A 2006 picture of the Causeway between Singapore and Malaysia. Photo: AFP

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