PM slams Singapore's development on disputed island

comments     Published     Updated

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has criticised Singapore for construction work on a disputed island, a report said today.

But, "short of going to war," there was little Malaysia could do to deal with the situation on Batu Puteh island off Johor state, Mahathir was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times .

Singapore did not always observe international norms and Malaysia had problems dealing with it, he said.

"When we deal with Singapore, we often face problems because it goes beyond accepted norms.

"By rights, when the ownership of the island is in dispute, there should not be development or construction activities there."

Mahathir's angry remark was backed by some 50 members of his ruling Barisan Nasional coalition who held a rare noisy protest outside the Singapore High Commission here.

In the hour-long protest, demonstrators hoisting posters that read "No more water for betrayal," denounced the republic's construction and demanded it vacate Batu Putih immediately.

For the rest of this story and more, subscribe for only RM150 a year. If you're already a subscriber, please sign in.

Sign in Subscribe now


Malaysiakini
news and views that matter


Sign In