A Bridge That Stirs Troubled Waters
A Bridge That Stirs Troubled Waters
M. Bakri Musa
[From the Sun Thursday March 9, 2006]
The water in the narrow Strait of Johore is usually calm. In fact it is unhealthily stagnant, as the causeway had effectively dammed the waterway and stopped the natural ebb and flow of the tide across it.
This will soon change if Malaysia were to proceed with its planned suspended bridge. The bridge threatens to stir the water, literally and figuratively.
The new structure would not increase capacity, as it would still have the same number of lanes as the existing causeway. Even if the lanes were increased, the bridge would not appreciably increase the capacity, as the other (Singapore) half of the causeway remains the same.
The suspended bridge could markedly improve the marine ecology, as there would once again be free flow of tide across the strait, at least on the Malaysian side. That would reduce the stagnancy and the stench, as well as enhance the esthetics and the marine environment.
If that is the reason for the bridge, then I would applaud its proponents for their ecological consciousness.
That objective could however be achieved just as effectively and at a considerably lower price by burrowing a series of wide tunnels. This retrofit could be done without disrupting traffic.
There are already a few culverts, but they have silted up for lack of maintenance, as are the drains and rivers in town. There is no assurance that the more expensive bridge would not be similarly neglected. Even with the new bridge, the strait would still be blocked because the existing causeway would remain to carry the railroad. Transferring the tracks onto the crooked bridge would be the height of folly; I have yet to see a curved railroad bridge.
Of course the much cheaper tunnel alternative would entail correspondingly smaller profits, and, let us also openly acknowledge, less generous “commissions” and “Kopi Oh!” money. This more than anything else is what drives this common sense-defying and exorbitantly expensive project.
Underwater tunnels, being not visible, would not give rise to bragging rights. There would be no showpiece monument for visitors to behold as they drive across.
I do not dismiss this vanity aspect to the bridge. A beautiful suspended bridge on the Malaysian half would be a spectacular contrast to the drab causeway on the Singapore side, remnant of the utilitarian, low budget, and “good enough for the natives” colonial mentality.
Singaporeans, being residents of a First World city, would not be easily impressed with the suspended bridge; their reactions would likely be one of detached bemusement. They and other foreign visitors would more likely be impressed with Malaysia if our customs and immigration counters were more efficient, and clean.
Considering our culture, I do not minimize the “show off” factor to the new bridge. Drive through the exclusive residential areas of Klang Valley, and we see palatial mansions behind gilded gates and ornate fences. Step outside the well-manicured and immaculately maintained grounds and the stark reality of urban Malaysia hits you: roadside brushes uncut, rubbish all over, and drains plugged.
Yet, for a fraction of the price of these expensive gates and brick fences they could have the drains covered and thus effectively expand their usable land and simultaneously eliminate the stench. If they would jointly maintain their common public areas instead of having to depend on the city, the enhanced esthetic, health and other benefits would far outweigh the costs, not to mention the increase to their property values.
The owners of these ostentatious residences are also likely to be the ones responsible for our public polices. So it is not surprising that they would want to build an expensive bridge to show off to visitors when the money could have been better spent sprucing up the waterfront and cleaning up the deadly polluted Sengget River.
If there were to be a bridge, let it be right across, replacing the entire causeway. Apparently, Singapore’s opposition is over the cost, especially in relation to the expected benefits. If that were the case, make the project subject to the realities of the marketplace.
One way would be to invite potential concessionaires and allow them to charge toll fees. This would spare both governments the expense, with the risk borne entirely by the operators and the revenues paid by users on both sides. Another would be to privatize the project, with the two neighbors owning equal shares and the project funded through private financing to be repaid by user fees. To ensure transparency and to get the best price, open the bidding to international competition.
A joint venture with Singapore on this bridge might teach Malaysia a lesson or two, like how to get the best contract and run an efficient public utility. The most important lesson would be how much cheaper a project would cost if it were subjected to rigorous competition and spared of corruption.
If either option were to happen, the new bridge would truly symbolize the physical, social, economic and other bonds linking the two nations.]
This half bridge proposal has already created considerable anxiety across the causeway. There are those who think that anything that would provoke such reactions in Singapore must automatically be good for Malaysia.
This is an exception; scraping the project would spare Malaysia the unneeded expense and at the same time improve relations with our neighbor.
March 26th, 2006 at 10:24 pm
Bakri,
“Apparently, Singapore’s opposition is over the cost..”.
What not apparent is Singapore’s opposition over what the suspended bridge, hence, the free flow of tide can do to the PTP. The PTP is currently a container port, hinges on the port’s close proximity to the busy sealanes on which Port of Singapore derived its growth for two centuries. The PTP has a naturally deep harbour which can allow ships of any size. Easy acces to all parts of Malatysia, Thailand and Singapore through the Second Link, NSE and Senai Airport. Large land banks for future developments. Now, imagine what can happen to PTP if smaller ships can pass through the Causeway, bypassing Singapore.
No, it’s not for the mega-container carriers. The existing PTP, with a maximun draft of 15 metres and turning basin of 600 meters that allow for ships of any size to turn easily and all the other incentives and facilities can handle this already. Just look at the reasons why Maersk and Evergreen shifted from Singapore.
It’s for the smaller ships, barges, cruise ships etc. It benefits the tourism, heavy and light industrials, security and as what you mentioned, marine ecology.
Bakri,
There are those who think that anything coming from Malaysia, a third world country that would provoke such reactions in Singapore, being residents of a First World city, must automatically be stupid, smeared by corruptions, backwards….and what else!
Bye-bye!
March 27th, 2006 at 1:04 am
Heard Maersk had relocated to Singapore. Main factor in shipping lines port of choice is efficiency.
March 27th, 2006 at 2:47 am
Encik Bakri
Kudos on a well written piece and factual piece.
Regards
Ajohore
March 27th, 2006 at 3:30 am
Maersk has representative in the board. They own some shares. They can insert influence over the efficiency.
March 27th, 2006 at 4:05 am
“improve relations with our neighbor”… yes… with an arrogant tiny neighbor.
And yes… the measurement of efficiency like that of company and organizational performance is open to sooooo many interpretations and manipulations…..
Hey….. writing bad things about Malaysia is absolutety fine… but in comparing Malaysia in Singapore… is…. well…. a bit close to hypocrisy… especially by some one who is espousing liberal democracy.
And this applies to many of the commenters in M Bakri’s blog who complain so much about Malaysian govt.
I remember…last time I made a comment on corruption… I compare M’sia to China or India…. I got this feeling that some commenters try to hush me up…
Ok… Singapore is much better than India or China….
Yes… but do we really want to compare ourselves with Singapore…. sure… Singapore is a great city state… but think again…. I think people like M Bakri would be the ones to regret if Malaysia becomes like Singapore…. the govt in Singapore, unlike in Malaysia…cannot tolerate criticism….
At least M Bakri can come back to Malaysia without fear… I heard that some outspoken dissidents in Singapore don’t dare to come back to Singapore…. or is it that they are not even allowed a even to visit their former home-land…. better check with my Singapore friends….
Some of the Singaporeans that I know express some kind of “regret” over the so-called trade off between efficiency and democratic space… but I cannot expand more on this discussion as this will be too much out of this blog topic..
But the thing is…. do we want to compare ourselves with the authoritarian and dictatorial Singapore who cannot even tolerate its citizen to openly discuss on govt inefficiency, corruption and hany pankies?
March 27th, 2006 at 10:00 am
amit:
Red herring. The occasionally racist and frequently repressive policies undertaken by the Singaporean government have nothing to do with their level of corruption or efficiency. For some reason when people tell us to look to Singapore, we think we have to copy everything they do without thinking. Kenapa tak mau guna otak?
March 27th, 2006 at 7:50 pm
Amit,
Our country’s leaders give us a lot of grounds to criticise them. So I think, Dr. Bakri and others including myself are not prepared to accept anything the Government puts out for us without subjecting them to critical review. Not enough of us do that.
There is a serious credibility problem, and more and more Malaysians have become critical and disillusioned with the goings-on, except those “bodek” types who can benefit from patronage or by kissing the left hand of the Prime Minister. Malaysian apathy is amazing.
I am not concerned about Singapore. They have their own way of dealing with and solving problems. Basically, their leaders are mercantilist in outlook, driven by an obsession for survival. We are different because we have “superior” Islamic values and Islam Hadhari. But we seem to concentrate on things that are not substantive. So I cannot help but notice that Singapore are doing important things that work. They are good at what they do because they are very focussed and think strategically.
Just compare SIA with MAS. SIA with its iconic “Singapore Girl” has been profitable in a very competitive global airline industry ever since its split from the jointly run Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA) in 1972(?). MAS today is messy. One can now only hope that Mr. Idris Jala with the support of Khazanah under Dato Azman Mokhtar and his team can turnaround our ailing national airline by fixing its culture so that it can deliver service excellence at reasonable cost, and become profitable again.
For MAS to go beyond expectations, it will require an attitude change and the cooperation of politicians and its stakeholders right down to even the luggage handlers at KLIA who are known to pilfer. I for one believe that the Jala Turnaround Plan can work and the new MAS Managing Director deserves our support and encouragement. Let us also hope that the MAS Board led by Dato Munir Majid and Mr. Jala can have a free hand to do their job without political interference and bureaucratic hassles.
Good for you if you think our Government tolerates criticisms. ISA is for what? And have you been reading the newspapers lately? But I do concede that our Government is now marginally more open and transparent. Unfortunately, after so much hype, spin and noise, fighting corruption is on hold. And promises made for 2004 Elections remain unfulfilled.
Thanks.
March 27th, 2006 at 8:28 pm
To ensure transparency and to get the best price, open the bidding to international competition.”
As a Government (who’s supposed to take care its citizens), is this they only way we compute “best price”? What’s your definition of “best price”? Oh yes, we may say whatever savings that can be made from the lower project cost can be channeled back to the people….How simple!
This international company will make money and then pack off, leaving the government with people who are forever inexperienced or untrained. How do you expect this people to be efficient who can go internationally if they don’t have the experience to undertake big projects such as this? Train them using the funds that are saved from the lower project cost? Don’t tell me we are short of engineers, architect etc. How do you explain the multiplying effects of such projects if they’re undertaken by local company? The local suppliers, manufacturers etc… If you impose that to the international companies, the prices may not be that lower anymore.
As individuals, we are only thinking about ourselves. We want cheaper products and services etc. That’s okay. But also as an individual, I want my government to think beyond that. And that’s a balancing act.
March 27th, 2006 at 8:36 pm
Singapore is not without fault on this one. Trading off our airspace (national security),water and EPF money for a bridge is worst. I grew up in a HDB flat facing the causeway for the last 25 years. The causeway is the main route for me going Singapore to KL. Historically,the bridge was lifting bridge but was destroyed to slow down the Nips army progress to Singapore,so called Gibraltar of the East.
Amit,I concur. Singapore is a regimented country with the Lee’s dynasty on top of the food chain. For a population of 4.35 million (2005),Singapore has only a few newspaper and all of them belongs to the goverment. Alternatives the likes of Harakah or Rocket wouldn’t see the light of day. Even the editors of Straits Times are from the Internal Ministry,i.e Secret Police.
Singapore is not corruption or nepotism free,its virtually legal and prospering. Basically,if you own the country,everything from Telco,Monetary Authority of Singapore,Public Utility,HDB how can you call it corruption? When all of your family members sits on the BOD or GLCs,we call it nepotism,Harry calls it securing the interest of the nation. Just like back home,ISA is used againts opposition party.
But why is Singapore getting accolades for human rights violation,suppressing press and justice? Even Bill Clinton’s personal phone call to PM Goh didn’t dissuade Singapore to carry out the copral punishment on Michael Fay.
Because its economically sound and because she’s America’s sweetheart in this region. The Pinoy fell out of grace when the Subic Bay Naval base was close down. Singapore instead welcomed the Yanks to use thier shore and even spend millions for the bunglows upgrades for US millitary families in Adminiralty Road.
Singapore also practices free market economy,although the term ‘anti-trust’ means nothing Harry. If a company outside Harry’s GLC becomes profitable,it be a target for Lee’s hostile takeover.
Harry’s builded the country into world class business hub surrounded by chaotic and unrully neighbours. As long as this region is disharmony,the goverment is corrupted,politically unrest is the order of the day etc,Singapore stands to gain.
How about racism? Does Singapore really practices ‘meriotracy’ or its just a vocab to make shame of NEP or Bumiputra policy. Last time I checked,the ethnic majority Chinese controls both the policy making and economy while Malay and Indians are sidelined. Cunningly,the country doesn’t practices institutionalized favoritism of the Chinese,but it doesnt mean they don’t practice it at all. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean its not there. In looking for jobs,Mandrin speakers are prefered although English is the business lingua franca. It’s just as saying,non-chinese need not to apply. Once,Harry did make a remark that didn’t only stir the feelings of the Malays in the country but also Indonesia Golkar’s Youth Wing. He gave the reason why Malay officers are not chosen as fighter pilots,Commanding Officers of Naval vessels or tank commander is because he feared if war broke out with Malaysia,the Malays would turn thier back againts the Chinese.
Those of you who looks for Singapore as the 7th garden of Eden for equal rights and opps for all races,think highly of thier ‘meritocracy’ policy and all citizens are made equal,think again.
Coming back to the bridge,despite of the grandeur,inefficiency and the exorbitant price tag,we have every right to build the bridge and we doing it for the best interest of Singapore and Malaysia. Desprate and cornered,this tiny rock’s ruler tries to push the envelope by laying down terms which is totally irrelavant and poses a threat to our national security.
3 opposition party members accused of having an imaginary rocket launcher is not a threat to national security is,but giving airspace for Singapore’s AirForce reconnaisance flight is.
March 27th, 2006 at 11:19 pm
Dear All,
I agree with LtAdnan, Singapore is a “Singapore is a regimented country with the Lee’s dynasty on top of the food chain”….
And it is best that those who claim to fight for liberal democracy (look at those commentators who decry the Islamic Family law, corruption etc…) to stop using Singapore as a model country.
And to Din Merican… when I say tolerate criticism… I refer to the degree…. and to the efficiemcy of the application of the repressive mechanisms of the state… sure Sing and M’sia have the same basic repressive laws…. but Sing is the more efficient one in “hunting down” its dissidents… Hey… I suppose with your comments and you being in Malaysia…. you may be the candidate for making seditious comments eh?… But no… you have made scathing comments before…. and I’m sure you will make scathing comments in the future…. why… because you are in Malaysia and not in Sngapore… so do you want Malaysia to become as efficient as Singapore?
And to Johnleemk. I agree with you that some aspects of Singapore are worth following… but certainly not its efficiemty to repress its own people…
I agree with you Johnleemk… many people “tidak guna otak” when they refer to Singapore as a model country. I have to say I am using my otak to the fullest potential here…..
Oh yess… and that refers to copying the US too. M Bakri… just because the US is the best democracy… it doesn’t mean that Malaysians have to follow them… especially with their hypocritical treatment of Singapore…… So US loves the tyrannical and dictatorial Singapore… but made comments that democratic process is under threat in Belarus…
Like condemming Burma for being repressive to Aung San Suu Kyi while turning a blind eye to Singapore’s best practice of bankrupting and intimidating its opposition…?
Ha ha ha!!! Red Herring my foot !!!!
March 27th, 2006 at 11:34 pm
Lest my commnets be misunderstood, I think I have to explain a litle bit on the last parts of my comments… in particular my mention of M Bakri.
When I refer to M Bakri, I was referring to this particular post “An Education System Worthy of Malaysia #9…” In particular the way you present America as the beacon of of hope i.e. the American Dream…. while totally forgetting bad things America has done… all in the name of democracy…..
Yes…. perhaps copying Singapore, US Europe etc… here and there is allright… but as long as the society accepts it…. By society I mean the whole spectrum of society…. not just by people who think that they are right because they have PhD, Msc, MA, MBA or LLM… or because they were a CEO or in the executive board etc….
That will be help a lot in building a more democratic and liberal Malaysia.
March 28th, 2006 at 12:24 am
Dear Sir,
Just a small correction with regards to “Sengget river” it’s actually named Segget unless it’s your small attempts at humour…ha,ha sengget,got it !
March 28th, 2006 at 2:14 am
“Of course the much cheaper tunnel alternative would entail correspondingly smaller profits, and, let us also openly acknowledge, less generous “commissions” and “Kopi Oh!” money. This more than anything else is what drives this common sense-defying and exorbitantly expensive project.”
Mr Bakri, were you one of those who submitted proposals to the Government but unsuccessful because when they asked, you refused to give “Kopi Oh! money? If yes, I’ll forever believe in you, whatever you say bro!
This question also apply to the others.
March 28th, 2006 at 4:07 am
If the crooked bridge goes through despite the various comments it will become a sad symbol of what Malaysia really is: theory not practice, beauty before utility, emotion not common sense, the elected before the electorate, “say what you like our mind is made up”. The stupidity of it all; a bridge is more than to connect two points, it narrows the differences.
March 28th, 2006 at 6:23 pm
SHM,
If the crroked bridge does not go through, it will become a story of a nation without pride!
March 28th, 2006 at 6:48 pm
Well, if the crooked bridge gets through we are one crooked nation and people. Three cheers to Badawi and the hard-working-never-say-die Foreign Minister, Syed Hamid Albar.
March 28th, 2006 at 7:17 pm
Let’s built a bridge with no name…
March 28th, 2006 at 8:26 pm
I think they had no choice but to build the bridge, otherwise the new CIQ Complex will be another white elephant. And since they are at it, throw in more projects in the areas under the 9 Malaysia Plan i.e. the RM10bn Southern Corridoor Project that include land and property development between the proposed Crooked… ooppss I mean Scenic Bridge and the existing under-used Second Link, and apparently a high-speed train between KL and JB. When there’s money, there’s a will… they won’t give two-hoots about what we and Singapore thinks…
March 28th, 2006 at 8:31 pm
Annoyed,
Pride, what pride are you talking about? With all the first world infrastructure and third world mentality that we have, right now you are talking about pride which gets us nowhere?
Correct me if I am wrong, rm620 million(?) to build that “scenic bridge” is a mega sum, not something that we can afford, that easily drop down from the sky, that we can without a loan.
Petrol dah naik .30 sen per litre and our political masters(the elected) say we can’t afford to subsidise you people(electorates) much further, then the PM says don’t question how, what the govt do with .30 sen per litre saved in petrol subsidy and don’t rock the boat. The people are suffering, especially those in the lower income group who have no fixed income, who live from hand to mouth. They are the most affected by rising costs.
The recent increase of petrol by the govt has left the floodgates open to increases. Everything you name it dah naik - from toothpaste to plastic products, brooms etc to milk, butter and food on the table(even ubi dan jagong), semua dah naik. Bagaimana nak hidup?
The people have been asked to change lifestyle. Why won’t we start from the top and let it be ‘lead by example’ ? Why won’t all the elected reps of the people starting from the No.1 CEO jog to work or take public transport and turun padang. This way they will know first hand how it is like to “change lifestyle” and live a real Malaysian life. They should start discarding their imported designer cars, can help support the sales of national car Proton by driving the Proton to official functions, thus saves petrol, cheaper spare parts and public money. That’s Pride.
Our public transport system sucks, those stinking ricketty buses of decades old are still on the road, and we are talking about pride? Pride is when you can keep your own house and compound clean, not forgetting our toilets which I believe must be clean enough for one to able to sleep in, in an event of an emergency.
We all know the reasons behind those hypocritical moves on both ends of the causeway and why they aren’t telling. I know the 2nd link is underutilsed, it does not make sense why the unneeded expenditure which can be better-utilised to improve quality of life for its citizens.
Comeone so much for all those decades of bikering and caustic remarks hauled at each other across the causeway; both representatives of Spore and Msian govt should sit down and think rationale and ask themselves, do we really need a crocked bridge afterall? It’s always the case when you have a fight with logic and emotion, emotion will win everytime!
SHM,
I like what you said.
Dr Bakri’s last para
“This is an exception; scraping the project would spare Malaysia the unneeded expense and at the same time improve relations with our neighbor.”
is so sensible, well put. I can’t agree more Dr. We must not only think of ourselves but how our actions affect our neighbours and most importantly, let there be peace in this region. The ball is in Paklah’s court, the responsibility rests heavily on his shoulder and history will judge him for his decisions.
March 29th, 2006 at 12:54 am
Sorry, correction:
para 7, line 4 - ” crooked ” and not as spelled.
March 29th, 2006 at 1:36 am
Jong ooi Jong,
How many time have you crossed over to Singapore using the causeway? With all the traffic jam, you think I’m happier with Bakri’s last para. If I’m not, there are millions who are not as well (some singaporeans included). You can bark but it’s just between a tiny few of you!
This is a sensible proposal for the future. Just like the proposal for KLIA 15 years ago or the NSE 20 years ago!
March 29th, 2006 at 2:08 am
Crooked or not, there’s a need for a new bridge to replace the “titi”. However, a straight bridge would mean the Singapore’s airspace for military jets (repeat : military jets) will be extended up to Melaka for free. Johor will also gradually sink as sands will be sold to Singapore to extend their land space (and yes, water already flowing out freely!).
Wow, for half of the bridge, the Singapore’s airspace and land will be extended!
March 29th, 2006 at 7:18 am
Saudi Arabia was once one of the world’s wealthiest. Now it is in a bad shape. It is insolvent and insecure. What will it do without brother USA. Singapore has no natural rsources, yet she owes nobody anything. Our national resources should be managed intelligently, otherwise we will be owing everybody everything. Think ahead, less politics and more economics, please.
March 29th, 2006 at 8:39 am
Hi Annoyed:
We Malaysians are quite a frustrated lot. It appears Jong’s remarks have riled you up. You would want to talk about the traffic jam down south but I am more keen in the govt resolving the “madness” in KL. You see what I mean? It is a matter of priorities. Agreed that we have different sets of priorities. I have more to talk about? And the list is endless.
Why is the govt. so hell-bent on building a bridge when there are other more pressing issues? I am sorry about this but my mind seems to think that a number of them will lose their “cut”. What else am I supposed to think in a land noted for corruption and plundering? What happens if Singapore does not construct its portion of the bridge? Are you going to drop into the sea? The desperate and unconvincing attitude of our govt has given the Singapore govt, even for cynical reasons, a tremendous opportunity to twist our arm? Can’t you see that? Well, the “rent-seekers” would be laughing all the way to the bank but we may be left with a bridge that hangs in the air - or in the balance? As usual isn’t it?
March 30th, 2006 at 3:10 am
So so so……..”We Malaysians are quite a frustrated lot…..”
Perhaps you got that right Fair Malaysian…
Hey… if that the case…. they will be even more frustrated…….. I think there is no one here to help tehm……
ahhh….. that’s the market for M Bakri…. if he has more books to write…….
Hey…. maybe I should be like M Bakri too….. write these books about Malaysia…..
March 30th, 2006 at 6:57 pm
Sorry, after my last posting I had to rush off, my apologies for the few typo/spelling mistakes. Important thing is you guys knew what I was trying to say. When frustration sets in, the fingers just hantam the keyboad lah.
Yes, Fair Malaysian we are a frustrated lot and trouble is most of us have short memories come election time! Then the monkeys take over with no sense of priorities. At the rate they are going, we might even have to ‘lelong’ our twin towers if anybody wants it.
March 31st, 2006 at 12:59 am
Well, as they say for everthing these days “a la” Malaysian style, “ours is one of the lowest in the region - the famous catch-phrase Ling Liong Sik introduced. I had some good feeling when Pak Dolah ascended to the “throne” but it has turned into a rotten feeling. I know that the likes of Dr. Bakri are trying their best to bring some sense to the prevailing madness but as I have said a number of times in this blog, nothing short of a drastic “earthquake” must happen to wake these monkeys from their sleep.
March 31st, 2006 at 1:51 am
What are monkeys good at other than jumping from tree to tree and making a mess of themselves. That’s about all. So, must we pin our hopes on monkeys? I gave up on these primates a long long time ago.
March 31st, 2006 at 3:59 am
Why not, a crooked bridge may be a good tourist attraction. Tourists from Spore may be tempted to come over for bungee jumping and turn the area where the crooked bridge ends into a water themepark for JB.
But tourists must not be encouraged to get into JB lah - it’s such a real shit hole. Coming in from a world-class city, one cannot help notice the stark difference between JB town(city?) and Singapore. JB is a mad place, dirty, dusty with uncontrolled traffic conjestion and public transportation is in such bad shape. The only spot that’s worth visiting is the Istana, that Johoreans can be proud of. At least one is able to breathe better standing there.
Makes one wonder if the Johore state govt ever had any town planners at all. If they had, they must have been sleeping all these years or just mere rent collectors, live and let live? Corruption, that’s the way things go I guess. Will a new bridge crooked or otherwise make a difference? Think.
March 31st, 2006 at 11:45 pm
Fair Malaysian,
Fear not, since the rent-seekers are desperate to go ahead, even if it is a crooked bridge, and if Singapore does not construct its portion, no one is dropping into the sea - bungee jumping as suggested by Mers, sounds interesting and to turn the whole area into a water themepark is a fantastic innovative idea. Great tourist attraction.
Today’s nst commented “Innovation the key to wooing visitors” !
April 27th, 2006 at 12:58 am
hi guys… i’m aware i’m a little late joining this buti just stumbled upon this site. cheers to mr bakri for an ocean of wisdom, i’ll be spending quite a bit of time going through the archives now that i’ve bookmarked the site
in addition, i’m glad that sites like this are available to provide a more balanced view about historical and current affairs… hard to get the facts cos everything seems to be spun or conveniently forgotten.
just to add my two cents worth, i think mg has mentioned that one factor for singpore’s opposition to the crooked bridge is because it would be hard for their tanks to cross should they decide to invade. speaking to my ns-trained friends has convinced me of this. even at ns level they are brainwashed and trained for such a scenario.
regarding institutionalised racism down south, i can sadly admit to it being true. dua kali lima bang, but over there the malays are the anak tiri. i believe the facts speak for themselves: the categories for secondary school academic achievemers at national level are as follows - top student, top malay student, top indian student and top eurasian student. which implies that the ‘top student’ must be from what racial group?
May 2nd, 2006 at 9:27 pm
ever heard a phrase ‘you are what you eat’. Malaysian pig farmers export tonnes of pigs accross the causeway everyday and no wonder most of the singaporean are as kiasu as pigs. But, the worst is all the pig shit kill our rivers and contaminate our water suppllies. Pleaasee somebody gotta do something!!!!!!!!!
June 27th, 2006 at 2:06 am
very interesting article i found here http://swisscobalt.blogspot.com/2006/06/crooked-bridge-other-side-of-coin.html . no wonder dr m still pursue this case like a madman!
August 11th, 2006 at 2:44 am
As for Dr M,
I am always facinated when I read event concerning Singapore and Malaysia.
It is a pity Johor MB (a dinosor from Dr M era) should have levy an entaintment tax at the causeway for Singaporean.