Najib defends HSR, could have achieved RM650b in GNI by 2069

The Pekan MP said on his Facebook page that the project could also have created 110,000 jobs at the outset, increasing to 442,000 employment opportunities by the same year.

“In reality, infrastructure projects such as the HSR bring returns and benefits in the form of property value growth, local economic stimulus, technology transfer, high-income job opportunities, the entry of talent from Singapore and tourism.

“It will also create a new growth centre and give new life to towns such as Batu Pahat, Muar, Ayer Keroh, Melaka and Seremban where the multiplier effects of this project is huge,” he said.

Najib said the figures were based on the World Bank’s financial analysis and report projecting the growth of Malaysia’s gross domestic product for this year and over the next few years.

This figure exceeds his former colleague Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan’s earlier estimates of RM209 billion in GNI, which Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had called upon to substantiate.

A Barisan Nasional representative clarified with Malaysiakini that the projections by the former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department referred to the construction of the project.

Najib also challenged Dr Mahathir to explain his claims that the project would cost RM110 billion, compared with the previous estimates of RM72 billion under his administration.

“Was this figure also inflated due to politics, as was the ‘national debt figure’ of RM1 trillion?” he queried.

He also urged the new government to reveal its economic impact report on the project for the sake of transparency.

“Times have changed and the economy today is more sophisticated than previously and it would be disappointing if the prime minister fails to see the returns of this project as an economic catalyst, beyond just ticket sales.

“Don’t make a decision based on deep hatred towards someone or the Barisan Nasional government. Decisions clouded by emotions will only hurt the people,” Najib said.