SINGAPORE: Singapore has requested that the Malaysian government, through diplomatic channels, clarify Malaysia’s position on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) project, says Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan.
“We have informed the Malaysian Government that Singapore is continuing to incur costs on this project as it awaits Malaysia’s clarification, and that in the event Malaysia terminates the project, Singapore will study the implications and exercise our rights (including any right to compensation for expenses incurred) in accordance with the terms of the HSR Bilateral Agreement,” he said in a statement today.
According to Khaw, 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 high-speed 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.
Khaw, who is also the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure, noted that Singapore continues 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,” he said.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had said the cancellation is subject to discussions with Singapore due to the huge financial implications and that Malaysia would have to compensate the republic up to RM500 million for aborting the project. -- BERNAMA