The contract for the High Speed Rail (HSR) project linking Kuala Lumpur with Singapore will be awarded not just on price and specifications but on the benefit to the government and people of Malaysia, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who is on a five-day working visit to Japan from Sunday, described his meeting with his counterpart Taro Aso and several ministers here today as 'highly structured', showing their readiness to offer a reciprocal package for Malaysia.
Japan, he said, seems serious and focused in its effort to promote its own high-speed train system, which has a good safety record.
"They also have the advanced technology and several high-tech innovations, and they are confident the HSR project would be a game changer for Malaysia's economy, especially as it is a joint venture between Malaysia and Singapore.
"They also will definitely be offering several financing packages and an offset programme.
"The best offer is not based on pricing and specifications, but also on the benefit to the government and people (of Malaysia)," he told Malaysian journalists here.
Ahmad Zahid earlier had a closed-door meeting with Aso, who is also Finance Minister, and members of the Japan-Malaysia Parliamentarian Friendship Association.
Asked on Japan's package offer, he declined to elaborate other than to say that Malaysia very much needs an offset programme and that the tender will be an open one, with bids to be called once the HSR agreement is finalised.
Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed a desire to see his country's Shinkanzen bullet train in action in Malaysia.
Yesterday, Ahmad Zahid took a 90-minute ride on the bullet train from Tokyo to Sendai, a distance of about 365 km. He was briefed by officials of East Japan Railway Co, the operator of the 2,400 km-long Shinkansen line, and visited the driver's cockpit.
Early last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong reiterated their respective country's full commitment to the HSR project.
The project can shorten travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to about 90 minutes compared to the three hours it would currently take by road.
Najib has said that a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the HSR project is expected to be signed by the two countries in July.
Bernama
Tue May 31 2016
The HSR project can shorten travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to about 90 minutes compared to the three hours it would currently take by road. - Filepic
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.