Malaysia must clarify stance on high-speed rail: Khaw Boon Wan
Singapore has asked the Malaysian government through diplomatic channels to clarify Malaysia’s position on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) project, said Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Friday (1 June).
In a media statement, Khaw noted that the Republic is continuing to incur costs on the project. He warned that if Malaysia were to terminate 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”.
Khaw added, “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.”
On Tuesday, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad pledged to scrap the HSR as part of planned cuts to government spending, in order for Malaysia to “avoid being declared bankrupt”.
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