SINGAPORE, June 1 — Should Malaysia terminate the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) project, the Republic will study the implications and exercise its rights, including compensation for expenses incurred, in accordance with the terms of the bilateral agreement inked earlier, said Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan today.

In a press statement, Khaw also said the Republic has requested the Malaysian Government to clarify its position on the project. "We have informed the Malaysian Government that Singapore is continuing to incur costs on this project as it awaits Malaysia’s clarification,” he added.

Noting that it was Malaysia which proposed the HSR in 2013, Khaw said Singapore agreed to the proposal because the government was convinced of the benefits it would bring to Republic.

"We still believe that a high-speed rail link between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur would be in our mutual interest, economically as well as in terms of the friendship and mutual understanding of our two peoples,” he reiterated.

The minister added that Singapore continues to support the project and fulfil all its obligations under the agreement. "However, it is only tenable to continue the project if Malaysia likewise supports it, and is willing to fulfil its end of the agreement. Singapore looks forward to being informed of Malaysia’s position on the matter,” Khaw said.

On Tuesday, Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad confirmed that his government wants to cancel the HSR given his country’s national debt. Singapore "will be informed” of the decision, Dr Mahathir had said. He also indicated that mega projects such as the HSR will "definitely” be revisited when the finances improve. — TODAY