China involvement in ECRL management threat to national security, says Najib

Timothy Achariam Timothy Achariam Updated 7 years ago · Published on 16 Apr 2019 9:46PM · 9 Comments

The Chinese main contractor for the East Coast Rail Link will now also jointly manage, operate and maintain the rail line as part of the renegotiated terms that have seen the cost of the project slashed from from RM65.5 billion to RM44 billion. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, April 16, 2019.

FORMER prime minister Najib Razak has slammed Putrajaya for allowing the Chinese to be involved in the management of the East Coast Rail Link, saying it would threaten national security.

“This involves security, because all our internal details will be known by foreigners,” he said, referring to the government’s recent announcement that the renegotiated ECRL deal would see the project managed by  a China-Malaysia joint venture company. 

He added that Malaysia has the capabilities to handle rail systems instead of relying on foreigners. 

“We have the capability (to manage the ERCL ourselves)… that’s why before this we were in the process of training our workers (for the jib),” he told reporters outside the Duta court complex earlier today.

Najib cited companies such as transport companies such as Prasarana, which he said has experience managing metro projects in Saudi Arabia.

“So I don’t see why there is a foreign country involved in the management of the rail system in the country,” he said. 

He said the Chinese are welcome to be the project main contractor and to give technical advice if they wish, but it it not necessary for them to do half of the management of the rail line.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has announced that Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) will form a 50:50 joint-venture company to manage, operate and maintain the ECRL.

Mahathir said the arrangement would ease the financial burden on Malaysia, which would otherwise have to bear the full costs of operation and maintenance.

He said the government was confident that CCCC’s involvement would attract and spur investment in the rail link corridor, especially from China.

The JV was also part of the renegotiated deal that slashed the cost of ECRL from RM65.5 billion to RM44 billion. – April 16, 2019.

Sign up or sign in here to comment.

Comments

  • STUPID! Coming from a conman

    Posted 7 years ago by Adrian Tan · Reply

  • The co-management is probably better than the debt trap that would result in the entire ECRL falling into a foreign hand.

    Posted 7 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • The same thief trying to act innocent and smart after all the proven scandals and frod cases. Pity him , he is no more acting in drama or movie, pls wake up, Jib, your stage show is over. Face reality now, honey moon is over, every right thinking Malaysians want u in jail.

    Posted 7 years ago by James Wong · Reply

  • What the hell is #bosskupenyamun smoking la? Having almost sold half the countrys projects to china, suddenly he woke up! Go suck eggs la penyamun

    Posted 7 years ago by Francis Anthony · Reply

  • Idiot speaking thru' his mindless rear orifice. What about you employing a foreign PA and strategist who knows what is goung around in the country and the government secrets. Arsehole. It is high time that you be expedited to the gallows.

    Posted 7 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • Coming from an Idiot who sold our Country. Better save your breath and Remember not to drop the soap while showering at Sg Buloh Resort.

    Posted 7 years ago by Robert Phang · Reply

  • Awarding the contract to built Littoral Mission Ship for the RMN by BN government to china is worst.

    Posted 7 years ago by Edwin Pereira · Reply

  • Awarding the contract to built Littoral Mission Ship for the RMN by BN government to china is worst.

    Posted 7 years ago by Edwin Pereira · Reply