PM raps critics for trying to derail project
KUANTAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has lambasted critics of the RM55 billion East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.
Najib expressed regret that there were certain quarters that still attempted to torpedo the ECRL project, which would encompass stations from the Integrated Transport Terminal in Gombak, Selangor, to Pengkalan Kubur, Kelantan.
“It is regrettable that there are still parties out there trying to derail the ECRL despite the potential benefits the rakyat stand to gain and the value the project will unlock.
“Nevertheless, I would like to assure the people of the east coast that the government has an impressive track record and shall deliver on its promises.
‘The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the most recent and clearest proof of this.
“With your continuous support for the government, InshaAllah, we shall witness the successful completion of ECRL by 2024, as promised,” he said to loud cheers from the audience during his speech prior to the opening of the ECRL project at Bandar Baru Kuantan here yesterday.
In his speech, Najib noted that ECRL was among the most highly-anticipated “infra-rakyat” projects in Malaysia and the project would be world-class in terms of safety, reliability and cost efficiency.
“It is heartening to note that 95 per cent of the 17,000 respondents polled during the three-month (early this year) Public Inspection for Phase 1 of ECRL gave their approval for
the project,” he said, adding that the Federal Government is grateful for the full cooperation and support from all three east coast states.
“The overwhelming support of the people and the state governments in the east coast only goes to show that the ECRL is a catalytic infrastructure project that spearheads economic growth,” he said.
He said the project would lead to improvement in the socio-economic status and greater comfort to the people of the east coast.
In the past, some opposition leaders had claimed that the ECRL project would lead to the sell-off of Malaysian interests in the country and burden the next generation.