Shahrir: Drop KTM land issue in talks
JOHOR BARU: The Government should drop the KTM Berhad land issue from its bilateral negotiations with Singapore, as the matter was disadvantageous to Malaysia, according to Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir Samad.
He said the issue was a bane for Malaysia as Singapore appeared to be using it to push for issues benefiting the republic to be resolved first.
He also suggested that the proposed new bridge to replace the Causeway be scrapped and the funds instead be used to develop infrastructure in the state.
“I do not see why we should harp on the KTM land issue when I am sure we can do without the land. We need to be practical and get our priorities right.
“I believe that if the two issues are taken out of the talks, we will be on a level playing field,” he told reporters yesterday when expressing his views on the Malaysia-Singapore bilateral discussions.
“My suggestion is not a form of radical thinking but what I am proposing here is for us to refocus our thoughts and energy on something more beneficial,” he added.
Shahrir also proposed that the Johor Baru station be the last one in Malaysia instead of Tanjung Pagar in Singapore where it currently ends.
On Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the people of Johor could submit their views on bilateral relations on Singapore as any decision would impact them directly.
Among the unresolved bilateral issues are the price of water sold to Singapore, the dispute over KTM land in the republic, withdrawal of Central Provident Fund contributions by Malaysians working in the republic, the use of air space by Singapore Air Force and the proposed Johor-Singapore bridge.
When asked if he would submit his ideas formally to the government, Shahrir said: “This (press conference) is as good as submitting the ideas. The media is an avenue to put forward ideas and thoughts.”
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