MCA: Flip-flop decisions by Dr M affecting nation’s image

PETALING JAYA: The about-turns on the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project have affected the country’s image, MCA Youth chief said.

Datuk Chong Sin Woon (pic) lashed out at the Pakatan Harapan government for constantly making U-turns on government policies.

“The government has repeatedly changed its stance on projects involving foreign countries, confusing quarters related to these projects and affecting foreign investors’ confidence,” he said in a statement.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad reportedly said last Tuesday that the ECRL would be called off, but later said options were still being considered.

Chong, who is also a senator, said the flip-flopping seemed to be a habit for Dr Maha­thir, who “only follows his own way”.

He said Pakatan could not reach a consensus on ECRL and the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail.

“On June 23, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said ECRL would continue after negotiations, as more than RM20bil had been paid.

“Dr Mahathir wanted the project to be cancelled, citing the high level of national debts as the reason. Who is telling the truth?” he asked.

He said such uncertainty had created confusion among other countries, which could affect bilateral ties.

“Such decisions cannot be taken lightly as they involve various issues, including compensation and other recovery works,” he said.

On a separate issue, MCA vice-­president Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said the extension of the Council of Eminent Persons’ (CEP) service showed that Dr Maha­thir had no confidence in his own Cabinet.

She said the premier’s refusal to dissolve the CEP after Pakatan crossed the 100-day mark in power made it seem as if the country was only governed by one person.

On Friday, Dr Mahathir said the CEP was still needed as its members had a lot of experience in sorting out various important issues.

He said although the government had a full Cabinet now, many of the ministers were inexperienced.

Chew asked DAP and PKR for their views on the matter, saying: “If they agree with Dr Mahathir’s decision, does it mean they’re admitting that they are not qualified?”