The government will not reverse its decision to scrape the half-bridge project despite the warning from ex-premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad to expose irregularities within the administration.

Works Minister S Samy Vellu told Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) this when the DAP chairperson asked about the government's latest stand on the cancellation of the bridge project after Mahathir recently threatened to expose more weaknesses in the current administration, including an alleged cover-up of a corruption case.

The case was said to be against a former cabinet member in Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Administration, Karpal added during the question-and-answer session in Parliament today.

Samy said that "the allegation did not name any minister and it has nothing to do with the crooked bridge and if it is related to the bridge project, then I will answer."

Mahathir, who has made stinging criticisms against his handpicked successor in recent months had reportedly said that he would not stop raising issues against the government unless the bridge project is continued and that Abdullah removes the young advisers surrounding him.

Sept 11 deadline

Replying to Karpal's original question, the minister said the government will not compensate those involved in the spin-off commercial projects which have commenced as a rsult of the proposed bridge.

"Only (the bridge's contractor) Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd which was involved directly in the project is entitled to compensation," said Samy, adding that the contractor was given the September 11 deadline to submit its compensation claims.

Gerbang Perdana had initially demanded RM100 million compensation claims but the amount later went up to RM360 million and the government has asked for a review.

In another supplementary question, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail asked whether there was a feasibility study done prior to the construction of the bridge and whether the decision to cancel the bridge will incur a higher cost.

Responding, Samy reiterated that the government had considered the legal complication involved if it continues with the building of the bridge and was advised by the Attorney-General's chambers to scrap the project.

He did not responded on the cost, which some quarters have speculated could be higher than the cost of building the bridge at RM1.11 3billion.