He said this had been proposed to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and hoped he would approve the request.
The state government is also hoping to attract investors to the state as there is a lot of potential to develop the state, he told reporters at Parliament lobby today.
As for the present Johor-Singapore Causeway, he said there were plans to widen the pathway to create pedestrian walkways and to allow more feeder buses to ferry people.
Mahathir had mooted the crooked bridge idea when he was prime minister.
This happened in 2003, just as he was ending his 22-year tenure as PM.
He announced that Malaysia would go ahead and build a crooked bridge — a six-lane S-shaped highway curving in such a way to allow ships to pass under it — if Singapore refused to demolish its half of the Causeway.
His successor, Abdullah Badawi, decided against proceeding with the project and this led Mahathir to attack him in 2006. Najib Razak, who succeeded Abdullah, also refused to continue the project.
The bridge would allow free flow of water and allow ships to sail across, straight to Johor’s ports.
Singapore was reported to be against it as it would bring no benefits to it.
Osman said if the crooked bridge is built, it will allow ships to sail smoothly to Pasir Gudang port, improve water flow and reduce water pollution along the Tebrau Straits.
“Last time, Mahathir wanted this bridge and told former prime ministers Abdullah and Najib but they didn’t want it.
“He’s the PM now and last month asked me if Johor still needs the crooked bridge.
“I said it was up to him because it was his idea. If he wants to build it, I will just follow.”
He said the crooked bridge would not cause any problems to other bridges.
Osman said the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System from Singapore to Bukit Chagar and the proposed airport in Mersing would help boost Johor’s growth.
Osman said he and Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali would be meeting Singapore officials soon to discuss water issues and attract more investors from Singapore.
“We may also hold discussions on the crooked bridge and the proposed third bridge.”
Osman said Mahathir had agreed to the proposal to build the third bridge but did not want to reveal further details to prevent property prices from being pushed up.