KUANTAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today lambasted critics of the RM55 billion East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) that would impart a positive impact on the lives of all Malaysians.
Najib expressed regret that there were certain quarters still attempting to torpedo the ECRL project, that would encompass 23 stations from the Integrated Transport Terminal (ITT) in Gombak, Selangor, to Pengkalan Kubur, Kelantan.
"It is regrettable there are still parties out there trying to derail the ECRL despite the potential benefits the rakyat (people) stand to gain and the value the project will unlock.
"Nevertheless, I would like to assure the people of the east coast that the government has an impressive track record and shall deliver on its promises. The (Mass Rapid Transit) MRT is the most recent and clearest proof of this.
"With your continuous support for the government, Insyaallah (Allah willing), we shall all witness the successful completion of the ECRL by 2024 as promised," he said to loud cheers from the audience during his speech prior to the opening of the ECRL project at Bandar Baru Kuantan, here today.
Present to witness the opening were the People's Republic of China Special Envoy Wang Yong, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd chairman Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah, Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob, Terengganu MB Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman, and Pahang MB Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.
In his speech, Najib noted that ECRL is among the most highly anticipated "infra-rakyat" projects in Malaysia and will be world-class in terms of safety, reliability and cost efficiency.
"It is heartening to note that 95 per cent of the 17,000 respondents polled during the three-month (early this year) Public Inspection for Phase 1 of ECRL, gave their approval for the project," he said, adding that the Federal government is grateful for the full cooperation and support from all three east coast states.
"The overwhelming support of the people and the state governments in the east coast only goes to show that the ECRL is a catalytic infrastructure project that spearheads economic growth," he said, adding that this will lead to improvement in the socio-economic status and greater comfort to the people of the east coast.
In the past, some opposition leaders had claimed that the ECRL project would lead to the sell-off of Malaysian interests in the country and burden the next generation.
ENDS