Mahathir hints at retaliation against S'pore
Mahathir hints at retaliation against S'pore
Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad hinted on Friday that Malaysia could retaliate if Singapore did not address its concerns about land reclamation projects in the narrow waters separating the two countries.
"If they do as they wish, we too can do as we wish," Mahathir was quoted as saying by the national news agency, Bernama.
Mahathir did not elaborate about what Malaysia might do. But the brief remark was his strongest yet about Malaysia's displeasure at Singapore projects, which have stirred long- standing prickliness between the Southeast Asian neighbors.
Since last year, Singapore has been dumping material into the Johor Straits which separate Malaysia and the city-state at several sites to reclaim land.
Malaysia objected earlier this year, saying the project is narrowing shipping lanes leading to a key Malaysian port and making it more difficult and costly for ships to reach. The Malaysian port is competing with Singapore for business.
Singapore relies on Malaysia for its water supply and the countries are deadlocked in negotiations new pricing deal.
Several government lawmakers have urged Mahathir to terminate Singapore's water supply if it does not stop the reclamation projects.
Mahathir's latest comments come in response to remarks reportedly made by Singapore's National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan in Parliament this week, that reclamation projects would continue despite Malaysia's objections.
Mahathir, who met with Singapore's deputy prime minister Lee Hsien Loong to discuss the issue early this month, said Singapore was now sending conflicting signals about whether they might halt the projects until Malaysia's concerns had been addressed.
Singapore and Malaysia, both former British colonies, were united in a federation in 1963 but bitterly split two years later over political disputes. Long-running spats over issues like water, airspace and immigration facilities have occasionally bedeviled relations.