Azmin on crooked bridge: 'We need to prioritise our infrastructure projects'

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 17): Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said today that Malaysia needs to prioritise its infrastructure projects, because the country's fiscal situation is not good.

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby here, Mohamed Azmin reiterated the country’s fiscal position may be an issue if the crooked bridge (pictured) project between Malaysia and Singapore continues. 

“As we mentioned in many occasions, our fiscal situation is not good at present. So, certainly we need to prioritise our infrastructure projects, but I’m sure that the (Johor) state government will raise this (matter on the crooked bridge) at the federal level.

“Once we receive the proposal, the ministry (of Economic Affairs) will look into this matter and see whether we have the capacity at this point of time to continue with the project, or maybe we can consider at the point when the situation is much better for us,” Mohamed Azmin said.

When asked on the government’s priority in terms of infrastructure projects, he said the priority now are projects like hospitals, schools and roads that will directly benefit the people.

Meanwhwile, Johor DAP chairman Liew Chin Tong said today the construction of the “crooked bridge” between Malaysia and Singapore is not an immediate need, because the priority now is to focus on projects that ease traffic flow between both countries.

Liew, who was speaking to reporters at Malaysia's Parliament lobby here, said Johor's proposal to build a third link bridge is deemed a priority.
 
"I think the crooked bridge is not an immediate need, we can explore, but the priority item now is to ensure the traffic flow (is) better from both sides. (Johor) Menteri Besar (Datuk Osman Sapian) talked about the crooked bridge and third (link) bridge, so we think third (link) bridge is a priority.

"There are many items on the table, our focus should be on what is more immediate and effective to ensure that whoever needs to travel between the two countries get the best mode of transport. The position of DAP is that we are supportive of the third (link) bridge, and the immediate need is to speed up the construction of the (Johor Baru-Singapore) Rapid Transit System ," he said.

The Edge Financial Daily reported today that Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian said yesterday of Dr Mahathir having indicated at a meeting with Johor officials last month that he had “no problem” in reviving the project. — theedgemarkets.com

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