With uncharacteristic decisiveness, the Malaysian prime minister proclaimed his intention to commence building the `scenic (cynic?) half bridge between Johor Baru and Singapore after the Chinese new year.

The proclamation was packed with considerable `barking' and 'head turning' power, coincidental with the commencement of the year of the dog in the Chinese's calendar. However, many parties have since started to refute the concept of a crooked bridge no matter how much perceived benefits it may bring to the Malaysian side.

My two sen's worth on this issue is this - more than the economic dimension, the poor aesthetic value of a crooked bridge will weigh down Malaysia over the years because it will send the unmistakable message that two sides connected in such a way are not enjoying the best of relations.

Is this singular but highly advertised failure in diplomacy calculated to be the legacy of the former prime minister? Or is this just another round of `megaphone diplomacy' between the two countries after a leadership `renewal' on both sides?

If so we are certainly looking down at months of barking from both sides, befitting the year of the doggie!