TUMPAT: The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project will be completed as promised, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (economic affairs) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed today.
He said the government would never break its promises made to the people, including those in Kelantan.
The project would continue even if there was a change of government in the next general election, he added.
"We (the government) have already made the agreement. Firstly, with the people of Malaysia and, secondly, with the Chinese (counterparts) and banks.
"We have signed the agreement with them. So we need to honour it," he said, adding the project is almost 30 per cent complete.
He said the government would have to pay compensation and other penalties if the project is cancelled.
Mustapa, who is Jeli member of parliament, said this at the launch of UMW's Green Shoots Initiative at Sri Tujoh Beach Resort here.
Present were UMW group chaiman Tan Sri Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman, UMW chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali and Kelantan Environment Committee chairman Tuan Mohd Saripudin Tuan Ismail.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong recently said there would be no more changes to the project, even if a new government is elected.
The ECRL, a joint venture between Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd and China Communications Construction Co Ltd, costs about RM50 billion and is expected to be completed in December 2026.