One of the biggest projects that has been pending for over a decade is the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR).
However, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the only way to revive the project is to ensure full participation from private entities with minimal government expenditure.
“It will only move forward if there is full participation from the private sector and minimal government spending,” he said during a joint press conference with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong yesterday.
This approach is due to several constraints and issues that need prioritisation in the public interest, including flood mitigation, education, and healthcare.
He added that other major projects have also been set aside to ensure the government has the space and resources to address matters that require immediate attention.
“Our position (Malaysia) is to invite participation from the private sector because the government has limitations. But we are still waiting for promising contributions from the private sector to proceed when necessary,” he said.
There have been initial proposals, but a decision can only be made after thorough examination.
Meanwhile, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed Singapore’s readiness to discuss the matter while awaiting a new proposal from Malaysia should the project be revived.
“As far as the HSR is concerned, it’s unfortunate that we could not proceed with it originally. However, we are open to reviewing new proposals from Malaysia,” he said.
Malaysia and Singapore formally agreed to the HSR project in February 2013, and it was expected to be completed in 2026.
Work on the project was suspended in September 2018, and in 2021, it was terminated after both governments failed to agree on the changes sought by Malaysia.
Source: NST
Other posts by Keran Raj
