So often in this country, decisions are made too quickly and for the wrong reasons.

Too often, multi-billion ringgit projects are undertaken because it fits in with the country’s desire to be seen as developed, or to line the pockets of a select few with the right connections.

The proposed High Speed Rail (HSR) link has that feeling about it - where none of the powers that be seem to want to give Malaysians the full picture, but are keen to assure us that it is a piece of art.

Malaysians have been told that we need a RM30 billion (at the very least, it is more likely to be closer to RM50 billion) rail link that will get us to Singapore in 90 minutes.

Why we need it, is a lot less clear.

A HSR link will definitely make travelling down to Singapore faster and easier. Furthermore, as supporters of this link will tell you, it might result in the growth of various industries.

Construction, property, tourism and the environment, are all touted as possible beneficiaries of the link.

With HSR links, it is easy to get caught up in the possibilities; it is equally easy to lose sight of the realities that come with not only building such a link, but maintaining it in the long-term.

However, with a possible RM50 billion price tag attached - is it prudent to step back and ask if such a link is, in fact, necessary at all?

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