The government will consider several aspects of the proposed 'bullet train' project before deciding on its implementation.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Abdul Rahman Suliman said the high-speed train link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore may have a big impact on the economy.

"The government has to study the project from all aspects like cost, sponsorship, and its impact on stakeholders as well as on the Iskandar Development Region (IDR)," he said.

He said the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) will have to carry out detailed analysis, including any economic advantage and the effect on other transportation facilities such as the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and highways.

The EPU will further have to consult those in the private sector on issues of funding.

Abdul Rahman was replying Teng Boon Soon (BN-Tebrau) who asked whether the government plans to proceed with the project in view of the IDR in southern Johor.

'Government prerogative'

Parliamentary secretary to the home ministry Abdul Rahman Ibrahim, meanwhile, explained that citizenship is only awarded to foreigners studying the applications.

He was replying a supplementary question from M Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat) who asked about the criteria applied in awarding citizenship.

"Many of those from Taiwan, China and India have not been awarded citizenship even after staying in the country for 20 to 30 years," Kulasegaran pointed out.

"However, Indonesians can get it after just two to three years. What are the criteria used by the government?"

Abdul Rahman said the government has the right to award citizenship after studying and screening the applications.

"Citizenship is an award from the government, and cannot be demanded by anyone," he added.