Mahathir’s Crusade: “Unfair Contracts” Take the Spotlight on China Visit
Just a bit past coffee‑break, Malaysia’s veteran prime minister Mahathir Mohamad spilled the tea on a top‑secret agenda for his upcoming trip to Beijing: the “unfairness” of the contracts tied to Beijing‑backed projects. He warned that many of these deals, signed under the previous administration, simply don’t line up with Malaysia’s financial reality.
What’s At Stake?
- Over $20 billion in China‑funded ventures have been paused earlier this week.
- The East Coast Railway Link (ECRL) and two piping projects—valued at $2.3 billion—are on the table.
- All heavyweights involved are Chinese state‑owned companies.
Mahathir raised his eyebrows at the “unfairness” of contract terms and high interest rates, which are “much higher” than typical government borrowing. He’s not shy about demanding renegotiations even as construction trucks continue to roll.
Why the Timing Matters
He hopes to make the trip to China quickly, but the Chinese president’s July schedule is a jam‑sieve. “I’ll head to Beijing in August,” the 93‑year‑old declared. Sources say the former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, 80, will also be offering counsel in the lead‑up to the visit.
Honk‑Honk to the Rail Concoction
With the rail link being bumped from a $20 billion budget to a new figure that’s “up 50% from estimates,” the government is scrambling to stay on track. The rail, originally pegged for a longer skip, now takes a longer nuisance.
Mahathir’s Grand Take‑away
He insists that the Nepal of solar‑powered rail is a party in his trifecta. “I want to go to China as early as possible,” he said. He also added that he’ll “reserve the right to reject advice.” In this political game, a golden oldie with a sharp memory plans to put a wrench in the China–Malaysia partnership.
Watch this space: the see‑you‑soon playbook includes a billion‑$ fight, a heart‑busting debate about fairness, and an empire of trains. Keep your engines humming—Mahathir’s visit is on the way and the trains are ready to whistle!