The completion of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project is hoped for by a prominent Chinese scholar, drawing on the successful completion of high-speed rail projects in Southeast Asia such as the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail and Laos-China high-speed rail. Victor Gao, chair professor at Soochow University and vice president of the Centre for China and Globalisation, expressed hope for the rapid completion of the ECRL project. He also suggested that the maximum speed for ECRL trains could be increased to 351kmph, surpassing the Indonesian high-speed railway’s maximum speed of 350kmph.
Running a length of 648km, the ECRL route will connect the east coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang before linking to the Klang Valley on the peninsula’s west coast. Gao, a regular analyst on Al-Jazeera and CGTN, spoke about the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the Asean region at a talk organized by the Concorde Club. The Concorde Club is an informal group of editors and senior journalists who meet with politicians and key policymakers, led by Star Media Group advisor and Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.
Speaking on the BRI, Gao emphasized China’s aim to share its experience and wealth capabilities with other countries, leading to over 150 countries joining the initiative. Gao highlighted the estimated US$1 trillion spent on the BRI as a means to promote peace by demonstrating that investing in infrastructure and connectivity is a more effective use of resources compared to engaging in war.
“Building bridges, roads, and connectivity is not only a better use of money but an investment,” he said, quoting a Saudi Arabian prince who emphasized that the infrastructure built by China remains in the beneficiary country rather than being taken back to China. He contrasted this with the destructive nature of war, such as the situation in Gaza, stating that promoting peace is a cheaper and more beneficial endeavor.
