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SINGAPORE: There was no response to Singapore's diplomatic note sent on June 1 to ask for Malaysia's position on the high-speed rail project, although costs continue to be high. increase rapidly.
million. Khaw told parliament that after many statements by Malaysian leaders, including Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, on the HSR project over the past two months, they suggest that Malaysia has no longer the same. intention to continue the railway project its capital of Kuala Lumpur in Singapore
The bilateral agreement signed in December 2016 is an international treaty to build a high-speed train allowing travelers to travel from the district of Jurong Lake to the development of Bandar Malaysia in KL in 90
Singapore then sent the diplomatic note to clarify Malaysia's position on this but, to date, it has not received a response.
The measures taken by the Malaysian ministers and by the Prime Minister, Mr. Mahathir himself, at the end of the project were not followed by official communications, "said Mr. Khaw
COST INCREASE
Thus, Singapore has "no choice" but to continue with its end of agreement, the minister added.
Based on preliminary estimates, the government has spent more than $ 250 million He added that this includes the costs of consultants for the design of civil infrastructure, the costs of dedicating the hand-d & # 39; He is working to oversee and execute the project and the costs of land acquisition, he said. "We have already spent the money of our taxpayers," Khaw said.
"We can recover value for some expenses, even if the fast train project does not work, but a large amount that has been spent will be wasted completely if the project does not proceed."
The Minister Transport added that in the month of June, Singapore has committed more than $ 6 million in costs for the project, while the same amount is expected by July. These costs will increase rapidly over time, with at least S $ 40 million expected to be spent from August through the end of 2018 for labor costs, operating expenses and costs. contractual costs, he added.
If Malaysia has actually decided to terminate it, but is late in notifying us, because there will be other unnecessary expenditures, "added Mr. Khaw.
He added that In addition to the costs incurred, interested railway consortia from China, Japan and other European countries also spent money preparing their offers.After the statements of the Malaysian leaders, they have "requested urgent clarification" from both countries on the status of the project, he added.
COMPENSATION, NOT SENTENCE
The Minister also took advantage of the opportunity to emphasize that the signed bilateral HSR agreement is a "fair deal" with equal rights and obligations on both sides.He also noted that it was Malaysia who had suggested the project and Singapore was d & # 39; Because it was convinced of its advantages.
Mr. Khaw said: "If the p If the project is interrupted because of the actions of country A, country A should compensate country B for the expenses already incurred by country B, in accordance with the bilateral agreement.
"It would not be fair for taxpayers in one country to bear the cost of the shares of another country." Thus, if Malaysia were to put an end to the HSR project, we would be dealing with the issue Malaysia 's compensation for the costs incurred by Singapore in accordance with the bilateral agreement and international law. In an interview with the Financial Times on May 28, Dr Mahathir said that the HSR project would be abandoned and that Malaysia might have to pay "almost 500 million" of uncertain "penalty" for the currency. He confirmed it at a press conference the same day
Mr. Khaw also pointed out that the costs borne by Singapore would add to the total amount of compensation, "it is in the very interest of Malaysia to formally inform us of its position on the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Azmin Ali, who called on 6 June, during which the Malaysian minister suggested that officials from both countries meet to discuss the project. "Mr. Khaw said that he was agreed and asked for details on the scope of the discussion and the Minister of Malaysia said that he would send a letter on the details, but that the latter "has not yet done"
for an official clarification by the Malaysian Government, the law provides for appropriate procedures in the event that Malaysia wishes to propose amendments to or terminate the bilateral agreement, "said Mr. Khaw.
"These procedures must be followed If the Malaysian government does not provide an official response, we can not ignore the public statements of Malaysian ministers and Prime Minister Mahathir himself about the end of the project and Singapore. will act according to his rights. "[19659027] (function (d, s, id) {
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