Dr M: “Not urgent” to notify S’pore on HSR status

PETALING JAYA (June 25): Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said it was “not so urgent” to inform Singapore on the status of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) in an interview with the island republic’s Channel News Asia portal today.

"Sometimes we make public statements without actually finalising the process. When we want to make a decision we don't wait until we inform Singapore, we just say something. Of course they would want to know, and we will inform them in time," he said.

The Pakatan Harapan government had decided to postpone the HSR – softening its earlier stance of cancelling the rail project – as it sought to deflate the ballooning national debt of over RM1 trillion.

Singapore had said late last month it was still waiting to be officially notified by Malaysia on the status of the project and will continue to incur costs.

Mahathir said problems between both countries that may arise from the decision can be resolved.

"I think whether we like it or not, Singapore is our closest neighbour and we have a common history. Whether we like it or not, we have to live with each other. There will be little problems, conflicts and all that, [but] we'll resolve them."

Meanwhile, the nonagerian also said Malaysia will review the “ridiculous” prices at which it is selling water to its southern neighbour, which is currently at RM0.03 per thousand gallons.

“That was okay way back in the 1990s or 1930s. But now what can you buy with [RM0.03]? Nothing.”

Malaysia will study the agreement with Singapore and make a presentation on the accord, which is set to expire in 2061.