MALAYSIA has informed Singapore of its decision on the high-speed rail (HSR) project and is waiting for the southern neighbour’s response, said Azmin Ali.

The Economic Affairs Minister did not say what the decision was, except that it was the cabinet’s mandate which he presented to Singapore’s Transport  Minister Khaw Boon Wan last week.

“I was there to present the mandate of the cabinet on HSR. I’m happy the minister took note of our predicament back home.

“But, certainly he needs to discuss it with the cabinet. We need to follow up on further discussions,” he told reporters when at the Parliament lobby. 

Azmin said he could not reveal what the decision was because it would be unfair to Singapore.

“The proposal was presented to them; let them discuss it,” he said.

Azmin said Singapore had to consider Malaysia’s financial situation, which he said its transport minister had acknowledged.

He said Singapore and Malaysia had already invested money in the HSR project, thus any decision would affect both countries.

“That also was discussed. The minister expressed concern about the amount they have spend in the last few months. We have also spent some money and we have formed a joint committee to look into the development of HSR,” Azmin said.

Azmin will meet Khaw tomorrow in Putrajaya for more discussions. – August 16, 2018.