The Scenic Bridge - Malaysian Government's 4 options

Categories: Malaysia, Singapore

'Government's political decision to go for Option 4' (Lifted from NST)

AMBASSADOR-at-large Tan Sri Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak explains the four options on the table.

OPTION 1: Approve the BPU (Broad Political Understanding) and proceed with detailed negotiations to conclude a final agreement. With such a strong mandate, the Government could have gone ahead with the project and persuaded Malaysians later. But the problem is the lingering concern that too much is being given away for the sake of the bridge.

OPTION 2: Proceed with the half-bridge to join the Singapore part of the Johor Causeway. Biggest problem with this option is that expert advice shows the need to consult and obtain approval of Singapore for the relocation of PUB water pipelines in the context of water and separation agreements. Attorney-General also points out that if the Malaysian part of the Causeway is demolished unilaterally, Singapore could even halt KTMB's (Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad) use of the remaining Singapore part of the Causeway on account of structural integrity. This will directly affect the running of railway services to Singapore. Should this continue for six months, KTMB land in Singapore will revert to the republic.

OPTION 3: Unilaterally build a half-bridge that can eventually be linked to become a full bridge. No guarantee that Singapore would agree to build its side of the bridge without a balance of interests. This element of uncertainty would mean that Malaysia would be waiting for the bridge to be linked at Singapore's pleasure. Such a hanging bridge would become a subject of ridicule and would affect Malaysia's image.

OPTION 4: Not to proceed with any bridge. This was the option chosen by the Government, taking into account public sentiment on exporting sand and opening up airspace to the republic. The Government's decision to scrap the bridge project would prevent both sides from being embroiled in endless political bickering and legal disputes. The decision is not necessarily a win-lose situation. Malaysia did not lose even if it did not get the bridge. Singapore too did not get what it wanted — sand and airspace.

CONCLUSION: The Government's decision was a political decision; a collective decision of the Cabinet. Making a decision on the basis of a referendum has never been the practice of the Government, nor a tradition in Malaysia.