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Mahathir (right) is seen with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Ismail Wan (left) at a press conference after the meeting of President Pakatan Harapan. Mr Mahathir said that "unfair" contracts for Beijing-backed projects would be a key issue that he would raise during a visit to China next month. – Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday that "the injustice" of contracts for projects supported by Beijing would be a key issue that it would raise during the first half of the year. a visit to China next month.
Having come to power in May after an impressive electoral defeat for then Prime Minister Najib Razak, he reviewed important projects signed by the previous government, saying many of them are not financially advantageous for Malaysia. billions of dollars in projects funded by China earlier this week.
"There are several issues to raise, among which the injustice of the terms of the contract and also the loan," said Mahathir at a press briefing
. "And the interest also concerns us, because the interest is much higher than when governments borrow."
Mahathir was very critical of the benefits of some Chinese projects in Malaysia. Since taking office, he has promised to renegotiate conditions even as construction work continues.
The Ministry of Finance stopped three projects this week: the East Coast Railway RM81 billion railway project (ECRL) and two pipeline projects. billion. "I want to go to China as soon as possible, but the President of China is not available in July and I will leave in August," said Mahathir. 93. Next week, Reuters reported Thursday that its trip to Beijing was tentatively agreed for mid-August.
The Prime Minister's visit will probably be preceded by a trip to China this month. Former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, two sources and local media said:
Suede, an influential figure close to Mahathir, was appointed by the prime minister to the "Council of Eminent Persons", a special team advising the government.
"I think he wants to talk with the Chinese about some contracts," Mahathir said when he was asked about Suede, adding that he reserved the right to reject his opinion. – Reuters
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