THERE are no strings attached to the yen loan provided by Japan to Malaysia, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said the loan backed by the Japanese government can be used to either pay off old debts or invest in new projects.

“It can be used to repay loans, or spend on projects. No, there are no strings attached,” Dr Mahathir told reporters when met after officiating the World Chinese Economic Forum in Kuala Lumpur today.

The Langkawi MP also said he would tap into the expertise of Japanese company, JR Kyushu Railway, to help develop the local rail system.

“JR Kyushu is one of the most successful Japan railway companies, we want to learn from them. We want them to advise us how to manage our transport programme,” Dr Mahathir said.

Separately, the Pakatan Harapan chairman denied that the third national car project would only be limited to Japanese investments and instead said it would be private initiative.

“The third national car is a private sector effort, how they do it is up to them. They can opt for Japan or China or Korea. We have no conditions for them,” Dr Mahathir said.

He just returned from a trip to Japan, where the 93-year old had discussed national matters with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

A week ago, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng announced during the tabling of the budget that the Japanese government had offered a guarantee up to JP¥200 billion (RM7.35 billion) for the issuance of 10-year Samurai bonds. – November 9, 2018.