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.

Roots

"No doubt, Singapore has fallen o­n evil days in view of its dismal economic performance, and needs to resort to diversionary tactics. However, it should refrain from scraping the bottom of barrel, nor the outer bottom of the barrel to achieve the objective," Karpal added.

The prominent lawyer and former Jelutong member of Parliament said Singapore should not take for granted the patience of Malaysian leaders, both in the government and opposition.

"Singapore should not forget its roots. It was at o­ne time a part of Malaysia. Historically and geographically Singapore must accept its destiny is interwined with Malaysia.

"It should endear itself to Malaysia instead of passing snide remarks which in the long term will be counterproductive to its interests," Karpal said.

Malaysian media yesterday reported that Mahathir had brushed off the remarks made against him by Jayakumar when he disclosed that Goh had not agreed to the project to replace the Causeway due to nostalgia for the link.

"It doesn't matter, that is his comment," Mahathir was quoted as saying.