THE prime minister of Malaysia Mr Najib Razak confirmed on May 17 that he expects to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with his Singaporean counterpart Mr Lee Hsien Loong in July setting out conditions for the financing, construction, and operation of the 330km Kuala Lumpur - Singapore high-speed line.

"Talks with Singapore are ongoing but we are in the final leg with only a few minor issues outstanding," Mr Mohd Nur Ismal bin Mohamed Kamal, CEO of Malaysian high-speed rail authority, MyHSR Corporation, told IRJ in London on May 18. "The MoU will cover all major headings including technology, safety, regulation, and procurement, determining how the contracts will be organised. We want to do it in a way that encourages competitive international bidding and both sides want to see good value in the bids."