THE East Coast Rail Link may be rerouted to include Negri Sembilan, Lim Guan Eng told Rantau voters last night.

The finance minister said the project will get the green light if negotiations between Council of Eminent Persons chairman Daim Zainuddin and the Chinese government go well, and Putrajaya is able to slash its cost to RM36 billion from the RM130 billion estimate, including interest costs, given by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“This is good news not just for the country, but also Negri Sembilan,” Lim said in his speech at a by-election campaign event in support of Pakatan Harapan candidate Dr S. Streram in Kuala Sawah, Rantau.

Present were Human Resources Minister M. Kula Segaran, Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye and Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who is also PKR secretary-general.

“I mention Negri Sembilan because the project’s route will change. This is good for the state,” said Lim.

“I ask that the press not ask me about this because I can’t say much about it.

“If the negotiations are successful, the route will change, and this will be great news for Negri Sembilan.”

Pressed by reporters after his speech, Lim merely put a finger to his lips.

The 688km ECRL – from Port Klang to Gombak, and onwards to Kuantan and Pengkalan Kubor – was put on hold after PH wrested federal power on May 9 last year.

Daim is handling the negotiations on the project. – April 6, 2019.