Malaysia projects viable and mutually beneficial

Some remarks made by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad prior to his upcoming five-day visit to China that begins on Friday have raised concerns that the Sino-Malaysian strategic partnership might not realize its full potential.

Referring to the $20 billion East Coast Rail Link and two energy pipeline projects worth more than $2.3 billion, the 93-year-old Malaysian leader said on Monday, "We don't think we need those two projects. We don't think they are viable. So if we can, we would like to just drop the projects."

Work on the projects has been halted pending discussions over the cost amid accusations of graft against the previous administration of Najib Razak, who now faces multiple charges.