FORMER Johor menteri besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin hopes the Pakatan Harapan government is serious about executing key infrastructure projects in the state, following delays to its final decision on the Rapid Transit System (RTS) linking Malaysia and Singapore.

“I hope the pro-rakyat infrastructure projects in Johor will go on as planned, without (the government) skirting around (the issue) or giving any excuses. We have to wait and see what excuses (Transport Minister) Anthony Loke will give in October,” he said, referring to the September 30 deadline that ends the six-month grace period for the government to decide on the project. 

Khaled said in a statement today there have been repeated delays and excuses given to derail the project. 

“Previously, the PH government asked for a six-month delay in March this year. After Singapore agreed to it, Malaysia is supposed to give an answer to the Republic on Monday,” he said.

“However, (Loke) had once again asked for a one-month extension to decide (on) and provide Malaysia’s answer to Singapore with regard to the project’s status and execution,” he added.

“It is not only embarrassing that we have gone against the given deadline and time frame. It has been postponed time and again,” he said. 

He said this showed PH’s lack of seriousness towards infrastructure projects, such as the RTS, which would provide convenience for people travelling between Malaysia and Singapore, as well as ease the congestion at the causeway.

He said the move appeared aimed at enticing Malaysians working in Singapore to come back, a tactic the previous Barisan National government had known was not possible or practical. 

“I realise that all these are just political leverage for PH to use for the (next general) election. But please don’t use the rakyat’s well-being as bait to continue to rule,” Khaled added.

Singapore had granted Malaysia an extension to decide on the construction of the RM4 billion RTS project linking Johor Baru and Singapore.  

The initial six-month grace period granted by Singapore expires on Monday. – September 28, 2019.