Dr M: Singapore not told of HSR status, but it knows what Malaysia wants

PUTRAJAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says the Government has not officially informed Singapore over the status of the High Speed Rail (HSR) project.

The Prime Minister was asked on his reaction to Singapore's Foreign Minister who on Monday (July 9) said that the republic was waiting for Malaysia's official response to its diplomatic note seeking clarification on the HSR project.

Dr Mahathir said that Malaysia has to be careful when making an announcement as certain parties and the financial market could react negatively.

"As far as the Singapore Government is concerned, we have not given them full notice, but they know what we want to do," said Dr Mahathir.

He said this at a media conference on Tuesday at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters here.

Dr Mahathir was at the MACC to lead a delegation of Pakatan Members of Parliament in attending a special briefing on governance, integrity and anti-corruption.

The Straits Times quoted Singapore's Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan as saying that the republic continues to incur costs as it is still meeting its obligations under the agreement, while waiting for Malaysia to clarify its position on the HSR project.

He said Singapore has sent the Malaysian Government a third-person note – a diplomatic note – requesting a clarification on the issue, following announcements from Dr Mahathir that the project would be dropped.

"Should Malaysia cause the HSR project to be terminated, we will deal with the question of compensation from Malaysia for costs incurred, in accordance with the binding agreement and international law," he said.