Najib: HSR could have raked in RM650b and created 442,000 jobs

KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak today said cancelling the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) project will result in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government missing out on around RM650 billion in Gross National Income (GNI) and some 442,000 job opportunities.

The ousted former prime minister, through his Facebook page, made these claims while slamming Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s government for cancelling the HSR project.

“Projections until 2069 were seen to potentially bring in RM650 billion in GNI while 110,000 jobs could have eventually expanded into 442,000 jobs,” he said in his Facebook posting.

Najib also questioned if the agencies involved in the project were allowed to present their case to the Cabinet ministers or the Council of Eminent Persons, and if a true economic impact evaluation was done.

He also questioned how the government came to the figure of RM110 billion as the HSR’s cost, claiming a report he sighted earlier this year showed costs at RM72 billion compounded with a tender that would only close in December this year.

“Is the cancellation the decision of one person, as I understand the minister of finance declined to comment while the transport minister said it was never discussed within the Cabinet.

“The HSR is a long-term project where the investments will come to fruition in the decades to come. Infrastructure projects like these will bring returns to the country in terms of fuelling a rapid economy,” he said.

Najib said among the reasons the HSR was conceptualised was due to the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore route being one of the most in demand and busiest in the region.

Among the effects he claimed would follow with the development of the HSR would be the development of towns such as Batu Pahat, Muar, Ayer Keroh, Melaka and Seremban.

“Their living standards will improve, there will be high-paying jobs and new industries can be created,” he said.

Najib said the decision to undertake the project was based on a detailed study, carried out for years, by both Malaysia and Singapore that proved to be advantageous to both countries socially and economically.

“The Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR is not inspired by the decision made by one country only,” he said.

Najib also expressed his disappointment at Dr Mahathir who he claimed had failed to see the benefits beyond ticket sales.

“I hope decisions will not be made while clouded by emotions, as only the people will lose out in the end,” he concluded.