Dr M denies pre-empting cabinet on HSR project cancellation
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has denied that he pre-empted the cabinet when he announced the cancellation of the Malaysia-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project.
He said the issue had been part of Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto and used in campaigns in the 14th General Election on May 9.
“No. That was decided by the party from the beginning. We campaigned on that issue and I’m not going to go away from the decision of the party simply because I can’t form a cabinet soon enough,” he said after chairing the Pakatan Harapan presidential council meeting here yesterday.
Dr Mahathir was asked about an allegation by Barisan Nasional that he had pre-empted the cabinet by announcing the cancellation of the HSR project.
On May 28, Dr Mahathir said Malaysia would scrap the project and would most likely have to pay compensation of up to RM500 million to Singapore.
The HSR, planned to run over 335km and involving four states, would have connected Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. The project was scheduled for completion in 2026.
Meanwhile, Singapore has requested that the Malaysian government, through diplomatic channels, clarify its position on the HSR project.
Its transport minister, Khaw Boon Wan, said the republic had informed Malaysia that it was continuing to incur costs on this project as it waited for Malaysia’s clarification.
In the event Malaysia terminates the project, Singapore will study the implications and exercise its rights, including any right to compensation for expenses incurred in accordance with the terms of the HSR Bilateral Agreement.
Khaw said when Malaysia proposed the HSR project to Singapore in 2013, Singapore agreed because “we were convinced of the benefits of the project to Singapore.
“We still believe that a highspeed rail link between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur would be in our mutual interest, economically as well as in terms of the friendship and mutual understanding of our two peoples,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Khaw, who is also the coordinating minister for infrastructure, noted that Singapore continued to support the HSR project and to fulfil all its obligations under the agreement.
“However, it is only tenable to continue the project if Malaysia likewise supports it, and is willing to fulfil its end of the agreement.
“Singapore looks forward to being informed of Malaysia’s position on the matter.”