A Malaysian opposition leader today urged Singapore leaders to refrain from passing derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

DAP deputy chairperson Karpal Singh said it is demeaning to call Mahathir an "entertaining story-teller".

In his statement, Karpal reminded the republic's Foreign Minister S Jayakumar and Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong to mind their language.

"Descending to name-calling over building of a new bridge does not speak well of both Jayakumar and Goh who graduated from University of Singapore which the republic boasts as o­ne of the top universities in Asia," said Karpal.

He said the duo, holding top posts in the country, are expected to set an example worthy of emulation.