BENTONG: Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai described Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's act of opposing the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) project as one with "too much political interest".
He also expressed regret that the former prime minister, who is now working with the Opposition, is trying to create an issue concerning race.
"He is resorting to using the race card. Anti-Chinese and anti-China.
"We respected him as a leader in the past but he has changed," he told the press after visiting SJK(C) Khai Mun Pagi, here this morning.
Liow, who is Bentong member of parliament, said China is a huge investor to the country.
"China's investments in Malaysia are important as it can help bring economic growth to the country.
"Whatever investment that comes into the country will have to be in accordance with Malaysia's laws. This is important in order to preserve the interest of Malaysians," he said.
Liow was commenting on a report in an English daily which quoted Dr Mahathir as saying that he was against the HSR project.
Malaysia and Singapore had signed an agreement on Dec 13 to build the 350km high-speed rail link, linking both capitals. It is estimated to cost around RM50 billion and RM60 billion.