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.