The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has received a report on alleged abuse of power linked to the relaunched East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.
When contacted, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed the matter, although he denied a news report which quoted him as confirming an ongoing investigation against a senior politician closely linked to former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
"I just confirmed that the MACC received a report on the ECRL issue.
"But I never mentioned any person," he told Malaysiakini, adding that their identities could not be revealed as MACC has yet to start its investigations.
Azam (below) also said MACC would be scrutinising the report on the ECRL before a decision is made on whether to pursue further investigations.
Malaysiakini understands that the MACC report was lodged by NGO leader Ab Jalil Backer over alleged abuse of power in the Pakatan Harapan government's decision to revive the suspended billion-dollar project.
The ECRL project cost was slashed to RM44 billion, RM21.5 billion cheaper than its reported original cost of RM65.5 billion as first agreed in October 2016 under former premier Najib Abdul Razak's BN administration.
The previous Harapan administration had moved to suspend construction of mega projects including the ECRL, pending renegotiations to lower down its cost.
On April 12, 2019, in Beijing, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) signed a supplementary agreement that resumes the suspended ECRL project, at a lower price.
The revived project was relaunched by then transport minister Anthony Loke last July, almost a year after it was put on hold.
In February, Loke reportedly said the project is expected to be fully completed by mid-2026 and operational by early 2027.
The new ECRL alignment is now shortened by 40km from 688km to 648km - from Kota Bahru in Kelantan and runs south through Mentakab, Jelebu, Kuala Kelawang, Bangi, Kajang, Putrajaya, and terminating at Port Klang. - Mkini
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