Dr M: Show us proof that country will lose over RM200bil if HSR is cancelled

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has urged his detractors to show proof that Malaysia stands to lose more than RM200bil if the High-Speed Rail (HSR) project with Singapore is cancelled.

Umno strategic communications spokesman Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan had earlier said that cancelling the HSR project would see Malaysia lose an estimated RM209bil in gross national income (GNI) contribution and 70,000 potential jobs opportunities.

"Show proof. When we said Malaysia has RM1 trillion debt, we had the documents to back it up. Don't just talk, show us the proof," he told reporters after attending a buka puasa event at Bukit Aman on Tuesday (May 29).  

Abdul Rahman had quoted a study by the research body Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organisation (IDE-JETRO), which found that once the HSR is in operation, it would deliver a US$1bil (RM4bil) economic gain to Malaysia annually.   

When asked on the Singapore government's claims that it has not been informed on the cancellation, Dr Mahathir said the press has been informed but Singapore will be told officially soon.