Johor Umno will not back down on its demand to cancel development projects seen to benefit Singapore more than Malaysia, such as the proposed Kuala Lumpur-Singapore bullet train.

Information chief Dr Puad Zakarshi said that, based on the project proposal by YTL Corporation, there was no intention for the proposed train to stop anywhere other than at Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

"If the journey is just between the two destinations, it will obviously only benefit the republic because more Malaysians will go to the island state for gambling and entertainment," he told malaysiakini .

"Don't forget, Singapore plans to build two casinos and an entertainment park soon. We have to be cautious and avoid having development projects that will be a disadvantage to the country."

He was responding to Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's assertion that Malaysia cannot cancel Singapore's investments in Malaysia because it would be perceived negatively by foreign investors.

Najib had been asked for comment after Umno Johor made the same call last Sunday, triggered by Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's statement that Malaysia had marginalised its Chinese community.

Singapore leaders 'unappreciative'

Elaborating, Puad said Umno Johor did not intend for all Singaporean investments to be cancelled, but that it wants projects which harm the country and its citizens should be thoroughly studied.

"Projects which bring large financial gains to the rakyat such as the Southern Johor Economic Region are much welcomed because these are believed to bring about a positive impact. We just want the government to be cautious and ensure that public interest is safeguarded."

He also said that, with Singapore's unaccommodating attitude as shown by Lee, the government should exercise more discretion in deciding on projects involving the two countries.

"Thus far, we have shown a lot of give and take with Singapore, although some of its leaders do not appreciate it. Johor Umno feels that it is time we stand firm," he said.

Puad said Johor Umno's position on Lee's remark would be passed on to Johor Menteri Besar Abdul Ghani Othman tomorrow after the latter returns from abroad.

"We believe that as Johor Umno chief, Ghani will raise the issue with the party supreme council on Thursday and voice the dissatisfaction and concern of the Johor people in issues involving Singapore," added Puad.