No reply from Malaysia on High-Speed Rail project; Singapore spent more than S$250m by end-May
By Kevin Kwang@KevinKwangCNA
09 Jul 2018 12:41PM (Updated: 09 Jul 2018 12:50PM)
Ricky Lim
Based on preliminary estimates, the Government has spent more than S$250 million on the HSR project by the end of May this year, and this includes costs for consultancies to design the civil infrastructure, costs for dedicating manpower to oversee and deliver the project and costs for land acquisition, he said.
“This is actual money that has already been spent, our taxpayers' money,” said Mr Khaw.
Mr Khaw said: “If the HSR project is terminated because of the actions of country A, then country A should compensate country B for expenses that have already been incurred by country B, in accordance with the bilateral agreement.
He added that besides Singapore’s incurred costs, interested rail consortia from China, Japan and Europe, among others, have also spent money preparing their bids.
“It would not be fair for the taxpayers of one country to bear the cost of another country’s actions. Compensation is not a penalty imposed on the other country.
“Thus, should Malaysia cause the HSR project to be terminated, we will deal with the question of compensation from Malaysia for costs incurred by Singapore in accordance with the bilateral agreement and international law,” the minister said.
----
Posted on:-
01 Jun 2018 05:17PM (Updated: 01 Jun 2018 08:39PM)
Ricky Lim ·
Singapore
Posted on :- 30 May 2018
Ricky Lim ·
Singapore
Expenses have been spend on the project - and this are taxpayers money that need to be recovered.
Zero expenses recoverable are not possible.
HSR is the Malaysia project and initiated by Malaysia, now is terminated by Malaysia.
Thus the amount of compensation for monies spend - should be an issue of discussion.
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim ·
Singapore
International Agreement signed - are like contracts - and are enforceable by International Law.
Else which Country in future will want to enter into contracts with Malaysia from now on - if it does not honour International Agreement signed?
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim ·
Singapore
This HSR project has attracted many international Countries interest and their respective conglomerates have submitted tender bids for it - that include China, Japan, EU, US, S Korea etc.
Even some Leaders have indicate interest on this project notably China, Japan leaders.
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim ·
Singapore
Whether this HSR will go ahead or not - need to be formally addressed - as huge costs have been spend to prepare for this project - not only by Government officials on both sides - but also by commercial bidders from many Countries.
Adhering to the contractual agreement become paramount as it affect many parties.
Malaysia reputation is hanging on the balance - in the eyes of International Countries - depending on how this project is handle.
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim ·
Singapore
If Malaysia did not handle the HSR project properly in accordance to the International Agreement ---- International Countries will take the cue ---- and will be deterred from investing in Malaysia - when Malaysia need investment the most.
If this happen, the cost to Malaysia will be much much higher than the cost of compensation as stated in the contract.
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim ·
Singapore
千变万变，因果不变。
千算万算，因果天算。
人在做，天在看。
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim ·
Singapore
Thought always hear this across the Causeway :-
"We must follow the rule of law......".
Let see whether "the rule of law is follow or not."
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim ·
Singapore
Enshrine in the International Agreement, the contract - encompass Mutual Understanding, Mutual Benefits, Trust, Commitment --- that must be honour - as it is signed and legally binding to demonstrate seriousness and commitment --- so that tremendous amount of time, effort and resources are committed to it to ensure the joint-project will be a success.
The International Agreement, the contract - represent Open and Transparent - which in Malay means "Bersih" - which is enforced by Rule of Law.
If Malaysia now decide not to carry on this project - where tremendous resources, monies and effort have been committed up to the stage of tender bid --- then exit clause according to the signed International Agreement or contract - must be adhere to and executed as per the Agreement.
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim · Singapore
Only then, the true spirit of "Bersih" and "Rule of Law" - is truely fulfilled.
If "Bersih" or "Rule of Law" is exercised when it benefit self --- but "Bersih" or "Rule of Law" will not apply when it don't benefit self ----- then the true spirit of "Bersih" and "Rule of Law" - is not the True "Bersih" and "Rule of Law" --- it is the bohong "Bersih" and "Rule of Law".
And all the movement of "Bersih" and "Rule of Law" ---- come back to the square one.
Like · Reply · 1m
“This is actual money that has already been spent, our taxpayers' money,” said Mr Khaw.
Mr Khaw said: “If the HSR project is terminated because of the actions of country A, then country A should compensate country B for expenses that have already been incurred by country B, in accordance with the bilateral agreement.
He added that besides Singapore’s incurred costs, interested rail consortia from China, Japan and Europe, among others, have also spent money preparing their bids.
“It would not be fair for the taxpayers of one country to bear the cost of another country’s actions. Compensation is not a penalty imposed on the other country.
“Thus, should Malaysia cause the HSR project to be terminated, we will deal with the question of compensation from Malaysia for costs incurred by Singapore in accordance with the bilateral agreement and international law,” the minister said.
----
Posted on:-
01 Jun 2018 05:17PM (Updated: 01 Jun 2018 08:39PM)
Ricky Lim ·
Singapore
Posted on :- 30 May 2018
Ricky Lim ·
Singapore
Expenses have been spend on the project - and this are taxpayers money that need to be recovered.
Zero expenses recoverable are not possible.
HSR is the Malaysia project and initiated by Malaysia, now is terminated by Malaysia.
Thus the amount of compensation for monies spend - should be an issue of discussion.
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim ·
Singapore
International Agreement signed - are like contracts - and are enforceable by International Law.
Else which Country in future will want to enter into contracts with Malaysia from now on - if it does not honour International Agreement signed?
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim ·
Singapore
This HSR project has attracted many international Countries interest and their respective conglomerates have submitted tender bids for it - that include China, Japan, EU, US, S Korea etc.
Even some Leaders have indicate interest on this project notably China, Japan leaders.
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim ·
Singapore
Whether this HSR will go ahead or not - need to be formally addressed - as huge costs have been spend to prepare for this project - not only by Government officials on both sides - but also by commercial bidders from many Countries.
Adhering to the contractual agreement become paramount as it affect many parties.
Malaysia reputation is hanging on the balance - in the eyes of International Countries - depending on how this project is handle.
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim ·
Singapore
If Malaysia did not handle the HSR project properly in accordance to the International Agreement ---- International Countries will take the cue ---- and will be deterred from investing in Malaysia - when Malaysia need investment the most.
If this happen, the cost to Malaysia will be much much higher than the cost of compensation as stated in the contract.
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim ·
Singapore
千变万变，因果不变。
千算万算，因果天算。
人在做，天在看。
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim ·
Singapore
Thought always hear this across the Causeway :-
"We must follow the rule of law......".
Let see whether "the rule of law is follow or not."
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim ·
Singapore
Enshrine in the International Agreement, the contract - encompass Mutual Understanding, Mutual Benefits, Trust, Commitment --- that must be honour - as it is signed and legally binding to demonstrate seriousness and commitment --- so that tremendous amount of time, effort and resources are committed to it to ensure the joint-project will be a success.
The International Agreement, the contract - represent Open and Transparent - which in Malay means "Bersih" - which is enforced by Rule of Law.
If Malaysia now decide not to carry on this project - where tremendous resources, monies and effort have been committed up to the stage of tender bid --- then exit clause according to the signed International Agreement or contract - must be adhere to and executed as per the Agreement.
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim · Singapore
Only then, the true spirit of "Bersih" and "Rule of Law" - is truely fulfilled.
If "Bersih" or "Rule of Law" is exercised when it benefit self --- but "Bersih" or "Rule of Law" will not apply when it don't benefit self ----- then the true spirit of "Bersih" and "Rule of Law" - is not the True "Bersih" and "Rule of Law" --- it is the bohong "Bersih" and "Rule of Law".
And all the movement of "Bersih" and "Rule of Law" ---- come back to the square one.
Like · Reply · 1m
Like · Reply · 1m · Edited
Singh Prem
With respect, the "public statements" from Malaysia were not made by people with no power, or authority. As you rightly said, the statements were made by "the Malaysian ministers, and Prime Minister Dr Mahathir himself, on the termination of the project". Hence, it is important that Singapore hold in abeyance any more work, and spending of tax payers' money, on the project, and call for a Summit, with the Malaysian counterpart, to iron out the "problem". Obviously, Malaysia wants to deal with China, on the touchy issue of "costs" as well, and the summit meeting may not immediately take place.
Humbly, Singapore must, for the moment, mitigate its losses, and issue an interim Stop Order on the project, considering there is, already a clear anticipatory breach, by the Malaysian side [regardless the absence of an official reply from them], and not go waste more of our taxpayers' monies.
Humbly, Singapore must, for the moment, mitigate its losses, and issue an interim Stop Order on the project, considering there is, already a clear anticipatory breach, by the Malaysian side [regardless the absence of an official reply from them], and not go waste more of our taxpayers' monies.
Michael Loh
I agreed. Apart from an official termination notice from Malaysia, Singapore should and must have taken notice of the numerous press reports. From statements made non other than from the elected (PM himself) and the disquiet from rapid political changes of Malaysian intention to terminate the HSR and of other mega projects, we should have taken prudence to stop work and to save costs for mitigating further loss. Why flog a dead horse! Don't quite understand the logic of this article.
Singh Prem
Michael Loh Completely with you, on your thoughts. By right, it's a clear case to STOP all work and STOP further spending of the taxpapers' monies. This is basic contractual obligation, when there is an anticipatory breach, not to mention the deadline for formation of joint-venture company had already passed.
Swee Meng Ling
not so easy. if SGP without receiving official cancellation and treat it as so, it is SGP that is at fault and need to pay compensation. Malaysia can flip it as they are just joking, why we take it as an cancellation when there is none given.
Moses Sim
Malaysia always tries to make things difficult for Singapore and have the cheek to ask us to be good neighbour.Having insufficient funds to complete the project is one's own business just inform and let the legal process takes its course.Tun says let the rule of law be followed so set a shining example for all to see.Please do not 'preach water and drink wine'.
Mikhaerl Chan
Malaysia has never made it difficult for Singapore. Only certain powerful individual and it is known.
Philip Chan
Malaysia new government have no courage to officially declare termination of HSR project thru proper channel maybe due to fear of offending either China, Japan or Europe. LOL!
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