PUTRAJAYA is committed to ensuring that talks with Singapore on the stalled high-speed rail project will be conducted in accordance with the law and in a manner which upholds diplomatic relations between the two countries, said Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali.

Replying to a question in Parliament on Malaysia’s plans on the HSR project, Azmin reiterated that it was within Malaysia’s right to cancel or postpone the project over its exorbitant cost.

“The two-way agreement for the HSR allows whichever party to cancel the project, subject to the terms of the agreement. I wish to stress that any agreement which is made must be fair and just to both parties,” Azmin said.

Putrajaya is committed to coming to a mutually agreed arrangement with Singapore on the project, he said.

“I will lead a delegation to Singapore in the near future to hold discussions to reach an agreement with the government of Singapore for a resolution that is fair and just, and one which guarantees a continuation of the diplomatic ties long established between Malaysia and Singapore,” said Azmin.

“I have informed Singapore’s minister of infrastructure and transport Khaw Boon Wan of all these through a telephone conversation on June 6, 2018.”

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has said the HSR was “too costly” at its RM110 billion valuation.

The 350km railway line will link Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and was expected to begin operations from 2026.

Dr Mahathir’s announcement of the project’s postponement has ruffled some feathers in Singapore, which claims it has yet to receive any official notification on the cancellation of the mega-project.

Khaw told Singapore’s parliament that the republic has already incurred more than S$6 million (RM18 million) for the project and was expected to incur the same amount this month.

Singapore has spent more than S$250 million on the project, based on preliminary estimates, he said. – July 18, 2018.