I am a Singaporean and a regular reader. I refer to the letter , 'Half-bridge will bring shame to S'pore for souring relations' by KT Chia.

Chia obviously bears a grudge against the Singapore government and people, apparently reinforced by the unfortunate comment made by a taxi-driver, whom he believed was extremely qualified to comment on Singapore-Malaysia relations.

He is egging on Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to build the ridiculous-looking half-bridge to show the world what bad neighbours Singaporeans are.

Here's news for him: Singaporeans do not give a toss about the half-bridge, no matter what it eventually looks like. Life will go on. Singaporeans will continue to shop and holiday in Malaysia, and Malaysians will do likewise in Singapore.

Friends and relatives will meet for kopi, teh and beer. Like we have been doing for decades. Someone like Chia will have to explain to us why we should feel ashamed of having a concrete question mark linking us to our closest neighbour.

If it is Chia's contention that "diplomacy and tactfulness in international relations matter", then

any unilateral move to demolish the Malaysian half of the existing Causeway and building a strange-looking replacement will backfire on Malaysia's efforts to be seen as the considerate ' abang ' (elder brother) in cross-straits relations.

And will Malaysian taxpayers be willing to foot the bill for this grandiose exercise in foolish ride? No. There are better things to spend your hard-earned money on.

If it is Chia's wish that Malaysia "should make their (Singaporeans') life as miserable as possible by showering them with problems and disputes," then I say: Bring it on.

Singapore will deal with each whine, rant and complaint in accordance with accepted diplomatic protocol, which is expected of mature, sovereign nations. The favourable international opinion that Chia so desperately seeks will, alas, not fall into Malaysia's lap.

Lastly, I am sure Dr Mahathir's position as the greatest Malaysian leader since independence and a global statesman has been assured in the minds of many.

To be also remembered for leaving "Singapore with as many problems as (he) can before (he) leaves the job" will be a tad unbecoming of a respectable historical figure, don't you think?

Great men and women are remembered for solving problems, not creating them.