PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) will restart the high-speed rail (HSR) project if it wins the Johor elections, Muhyiddin Yassin said.

The pact’s chairman said the project was cancelled during his tenure as prime minister because Singapore insisted on terms and conditions that affected Malaysia’s sovereignty.

“I made a statement as prime minister. Singapore insisted on a certain clause, which we believe was contrary to the sovereignty of Malaysia,” the former prime minister told reporters after the launch of the PN’s manifesto in Johor Baru today.

“As such, the contract was terminated and we paid the compensation.

“But I have also decided that we should pursue the HSR project because it is good for the country even without Singapore. If it wants to come back, it will be on different terms.”

The Pagoh MP did not elaborate on the terms that were “contrary” to Malaysia’s sovereignty.

Muhyiddin said it was his idea that the HSR line be extended to Bangkok.

“I suggested not just Kuala Lumpur but also the HSR line should be extended all the way to Bangkok,” he said.

“I believe the HSR is a game changer. And even if Singapore doesn’t participate, it is still viable. It will just take a longer time to recover the construction costs.

“As far as PN is concerned, we want the HSR to go on.”

The PN government terminated the HSR contract with Singapore in January last year and paid RM300 million as compensation.

But during his first official visit to Singapore, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Malaysia will resume talks with the island republic on how to restart the project. – March 2, 2022.