A FORMER Finance Ministry secretary-general today urged the government to roll out three big-ticket projects, which have been in the pipeline for some time, to kick-start the country’s economy post-pandemic.

Mohd Sheriff Mohd Kassim said the multibillion-ringgit projects, namely the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR), and National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP), will spur the “sleeping” economy and “repair” the damage done by the Covid-19 crisis.

“The government has not said much to the public about when these three projects will start rolling out so as to generate work orders for professional firms and construction companies, and employ lawyers, accountants, engineers, technicians and general workers.

“When they have work and get their salaries, they will spend on nasi lemak, fried mee, fried bananas, teh tarik, thus, reviving economic activities,” he told Bernama.

He said the bigger question is the budget for the said projects.

“Does the government have the budget to kick-start these megaprojects? If it is not money, what is the problem in starting them?”

It was reported on February 13 that the RM44 billion ECRL, which will connect Port Klang to Kota Baru in Kelantan, was 15% completed.

Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd is the project and asset owner, while China Communications Construction ECRL Sdn Bhd is the main contractor.

Last December, Putrajaya said the RM60 billion HSR would continue, but adjustments might be needed to bring down its cost.

And, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has announced a RM3 billion allocation to roll out six NFCP projects this year aimed at reducing the digital divide by boosting broadband coverage and quality, and laying the foundation for 5G networks.

Sheriff, a founder of the G25 group of former top civil servants, likened the megaprojects to locomotives pulling the economy out of recession.

“I ask that the government explain to the public what’s going on with these big projects.”

He welcomed the appointment of Abdul Wahid Omar as Bursa Malaysia chairman, replacing Shireen Ann Zaharah Muhiudeen.

“Wahid’s appointment is a good sign. He will tell Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to observe good corporate governance practices.” – Bernama, April 20, 2020.