Sultan willing to mediate

08 March 2010 , By The Straits Times Singapore

SULTAN Ibrahim Ismail of Johor has said he is willing to be a mediator on bilateral Singapore-Malaysia issues, and adds that Johor must be consulted on development projects planned by the federal government.

He also said in an interview that any proposal by Singapore must result in a win-win situation for both sides.

The ruler told the Mingguan Star, the Bahasa Malaysia Sunday newspaper of The Star daily, that the Johor Causeway should be replaced by a bridge to boost links between Singapore and Malaysia.

'I am even willing to be the mediator between both countries to resolve some of the issues, especially on the bridge project, water and Singapore's MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) lines into Johor Baru.

'I do not have a problem with Singapore; I think some of the issues between Johor and Singapore can be resolved over a cup of tea,' said Sultan Ibrahim.

'I hope in future the state would be consulted on all development projects. It must be Johor that decides with the blessing of the federal government as you must understand the Johor sentiment,' the Johor ruler told the weekend newspaper.