Malaysian Politics: Malaysia Halts Kuala Lumpur-Singapore Bullet Train

Is the reason for the scraping of the bullet rain due to economic and financial issues? If you noticed, I have approached this topic under the subject matter of Malaysian Politics. There is a reason for this.

If you look throughout history, major infrastructure projects invariable pays dividends for its backers as well as the nation. Just to name a few:

(1) The Pyramids of Giza provided the Egyptians with wealth that spans thousands of years. In fact, the major reason why modern Egypt is able to garner a substantial amount of tourist revenue is because the attraction in Giza. The original purpose of the Pyramids was purely as a tomb;

(2) The Suez & Panama Canals provided the substantial foreign exchange to the host countries. At the start of the project, the cost over-runs nearly bankrupted the project owners;

(3) The Channel Tunnel also nearly bankrupted the project owners. Now, they are laughing to the bank.

These examples prove one thing. If your project has an inkling of financial viability, chances are it will be viable eventually. Personally, I believe a bullet will serve the consumers more as it will provide choice and it will be a success.

Now comes the interesting part. I was made to understand that the rejection for this bullet train was more than just economics but more political. If allowed to go ahead, it could affect one mode of transport more than others or should I say one company: Air Asia. I postulate that the powers-that-be does not want Air Asia to suffer financially. Why?