Axing HSR party decision or Cabinet, asks think tank

Cenbet co-president Gan Ping Sieu says cancelling a project of such magnitude should have gone through a more structured decision-making process.

(MMO) – A think tank has questioned Putrajaya’s decision to axe the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project, saying not only was it not discussed in Cabinet as confirmed by the transport minister, it was also announced after a party meeting.

The Centre for a Better Tomorrow (Cenbet) said an important decision such as cancelling the HSR should go through proper procedures in line with good governance.

“Rightfully, cancelling a project of such magnitude, involving transnational interests, ought to have gone through a more structured decision-making process,” said Cenbet co-president Gan Ping Sieu, adding that there should be a Cabinet paper as well as a process of gathering feedback from relevant agencies.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke reportedly said the matter was not discussed in Cabinet prior to the announcement on May 28.

In a statement, Gan added that when Dr Mahathir Mohamad made the announcement after chairing the PPBM Supreme Council meeting, it was not in his capacity as the prime minister.

He said the Federal Constitution made it clear that the Cabinet was the highest executive body in the country.

“The manner in which the announcement was made runs counter to the spirit of accountability and transparency pledged by the new federal government.

“The eventual May 30 Cabinet decision can be perceived as an afterthought and clearly without going through sufficient consultation.”

Gan also expressed concern that the decision could set a bad precedent for the review of other government projects.

“Such a decision undermines institutional integrity, which should never be compromised for political expediency,” he added.