Daim doesn't think China using Jho Low as ECRL bargaining chip

Government adviser Daim Zainuddin is not convinced by speculation that China is using fugitive businessperson Low Taek Jho as a bargaining chip to revive the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.

"I don't think so. I cannot respond to speculation, it is very difficult," he said at the sidelines of an event in Putrajaya this morning.

The Penang-born Low, who is described to be the mastermind of the 1MDB scandal, has been eluding Malaysian authorities for months.

Previously, Low and his father were charged in absentia over money allegedly stolen from 1MDB.

Meanwhile, Daim said Malaysia is seeking a speedy resolution with China on the ERCL project.

"The negotiation is still going on, we hope we can finalise this as soon as possible," he added.

In July last year, the Pakatan Harapan government had suspended the RM81 billion project, which was approved by the previous BN administration.

Both countries are now in talks to revive the project.

Daim had reportedly said a Chinese delegation met him in Malaysia two months ago for the ECRL talks.

Daim first visited China in July last year to pave the way for talks between both countries on the future of the project.

The ECRL was being built by China Communication Construction Company Ltd (CCCC), a state-owned railway giant, while its financing was to be provided by Export-Import Bank of China (Exim Bank of China).

The then Najib administration had secured part of the loan from Exim Bank of on the condition that CCCC builds the railway.

The 688km rail link, if built, will connect Port Klang in Selangor to Pengkalan Kubor in Kelantan, and is to be constructed in two phases.

Why the RM81 billion ECRL should not resume

ECRL can go on, but with revisions - PKR Youth

ECRL reports not done yet but Chinese envoy optimistic of deal

If they can 'rob' Petronas, they can afford ECRL - Najib mocks gov't