Posted by 5c0160 > 2019-03-09 15:51 | Report Abuse

game over. Never go up.

Posted by matg > 2019-03-09 22:21 |

Post removed.Why?

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-11 12:05 | Report Abuse

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Ten stocks to look at if ECRL revival materialises
Chester Tay
/
The Edge Financial Daily

March 11, 2019 09:51 am +08

This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on March 11, 2019.

-A+A
KUALA LUMPUR: The sudden surge in the share price of Lafarge Malaysia Bhd last Thursday left investors mulling over its unexpected climb, with the potential revival of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) being touted as the most plausible reason.

Towards the end of his official visit to Manila last week, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad reportedly told the media that Putrajaya’s stance remains the same: that it prefers to avoid an astronomical compensation and is trying to strike a deal with China to build the rail line at a more affordable price tag.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng also reportedly said that he hopes the ECRL negotiation between Malaysia and China can be concluded before Dr Mahathir’s scheduled second official visit to China for the Belt and Road Summit 2019 next month.

As the events unfold, there may be investment opportunities for investors looking for exposure to the construction sector, beaten down for the greater part of last year due to political uncertainties in the wake of a new government, then made worse by the review of mega infrastructure projects.

Based on feedback from construction sector analysts, The Edge Financial Daily outlines 10 stocks that could be potential beneficiaries should the ECRL project be revived.

In no particular order, they are Gabungan AQRS Bhd, HSS Engineers Bhd, IJM Corp Bhd, Lafarge, Econpile Holdings Bhd, Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (MRCB), Advancecon Holdings Bhd, Gadang Holdings Bhd, WCT Holdings Bhd and Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd.

Assuming Lafarge’s and HSS Engineers’ previous contracts can be reinstated, RHB Research analyst Tay Yow Ken believes these two counters would be the clearest beneficiaries.

“Looking back to before the project was shelved, HSS Engineers and Lafarge were respectively awarded contracts worth RM82.5 million and RM270 million. Hence, we believe these companies are the clearest beneficiaries if the project is revived, assuming their previous contracts are reinstated as well,” he said in an email response.

Tay also noted that ECRL’s main contractor, China Communications Construction Co Ltd, had yet to award engineering and construction packages when the project was suspended in July last year.

“In our view, the extent local contractors are able to benefit would very much depend on the project structure after negotiations conclude, assuming the outcome is positive. That includes items such as local content requirement and what’s left on the table in terms of profit margins. Remember that the revived project will be subject to cost cuts and changes in design.

“According to our ground checks, quite a number of contractors had expressed their interest in bidding for contracts as the pie was large. That included the likes of IJM Corp, Advancecon, Gabungan AQRS and Econpile. More recently, MRCB told analysts during a recent conference call that it would be interested to participate in the project if tenders were called,” he said.

Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd analyst Kenneth Leong said Gadang Holdings, WCT Holdings and Fajarbaru Builder could also see some interest given their construction capabilities.

“These companies have rail project experience so we wouldn’t want to rule out the possibility of them tendering for packages,” he said over the phone.

However, Leong cautioned that in general, profit margins for construction contracts are small, and with a lower price tag for ECRL, the margins could be even smaller.

“We can already see some players, like Econpile, affected by the revised contract value for building the second MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) line,” he said.

Econpile posted a net loss of RM34.45 million for the second quarter of financial year 2019 (2QFY19) ended Dec 31, 2018, against a net profit of RM22.73 million a year ago. Revenue also fell by 8.6% to RM148.18 million, from RM162.17 million in 2QFY18.

The piling expert said its bottom line was hurt by loss of RM18.5 million owing to a delay and idling costs from two infrastructure projects caused by overall project rationalisation of costs and changes in design and/or scope of work by main contractors, and a RM15.4 million cost overrun in a property development project.

Meanwhile, in a note to investors last week, Hong Leong Investment Bank analyst Khairul Azizi Kairudin said news of a potential revival of the ECRL also pushed up the share price of Tasek Corp Bhd and Hume Industries Bhd, two other cement players.

“However, we reckon that the ECRL alone will be insufficient to spur demand to overcome industry overcapacity. To recap, Lafarge won a RM270 million cement supply contract for the ECRL back in March 2018. Based on the contract period of two years, this translates into RM135 million

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-11 14:19 | Report Abuse

Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd analyst Kenneth Leong said Gadang Holdings, WCT Holdings and Fajarbaru Builder could also see some interest given their construction capabilities.

Posted by pakatan_harapan2 > 2019-03-11 16:34 | Report Abuse

Ten stocks to look at if ECRL revival materialises
https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/ten-stocks-look-if-ecrl-revival-materialises

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-11 17:32 | Report Abuse

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/ten-stocks-look-if-ecrl-revival-materialises

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-11 17:35 | Report Abuse

Based on feedback from construction sector analysts, The Edge Financial Daily outlines 10 stocks that could be potential beneficiaries should the ECRL project be revived.

In no particular order, they are Gabungan AQRS Bhd, HSS Engineers Bhd, IJM Corp Bhd, Lafarge, Econpile Holdings Bhd, Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (MRCB), Advancecon Holdings Bhd, Gadang Holdings Bhd, WCT Holdings Bhd and Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd.

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-12 11:12 | Report Abuse

Ecrl project is back soon, go go wct go

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-12 11:35 | Report Abuse

Booking the ticket to watch the show.

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-12 17:12 | Report Abuse

大大利惠建材和承包商 东铁有望复兴施工
2019年2月23日


190223jj01报道：黄思来

（槟城23日讯）东海岸铁路线（ECRL，简称东铁）的潜在复苏不仅有利于当地建筑企业，也将对马来西亚的建材公司和众多领域产生积极效应。

根据大华继显研究行的说法，如果东铁项目恢复，本地承包商将会获益，因为政府已经重申其倾向在新协议下让更多本地建筑公司参与，而之前的结构则由中国人主导承包。

大华继显说：“虽然现在评估合同模式和价值还为时过早，但我们相信这个项目有一些主要的受益者，这要归功于政府继续支持增加本地承包商参与东铁的建设。”

该券商补充：“如果东铁项目恢复启动，钢铁和水泥公司将能够看到盈利提升。”


他说，东铁项目正在与中国进行谈判，以降低项目的成本，并将在4月份首相马哈迪访问中国时作出最终决定。

财长林冠英在第12届马来西亚房地产峰会期间告诉记者：“我们希望中国将满足我们降价的要求，让这个问题获得恢复。”

财长针对彭博周二发布的一份报告作出评论，该报告称马来西亚和中国即将达成恢复东铁项目的协议。引述外交部长拿督赛夫丁阿杜拉的报道称，中国愿意减少20亿美元（816亿令吉）的价格标签，谈判目前‘在最后一英里’。

根据最初的协议，估计这条全长688公里，耗费816亿令吉的铁路一旦建成，将把雪兰莪的巴生港连接到吉兰丹的彭加兰古柏。

在报告中，大华继显点名将家盟吉有限公司（GBGAQRS，5226，建筑组）列为东铁可能复兴的主要受益者之一。该公司指出，家盟吉此前曾在关丹沿线提供3个配套，投标价值为25亿令吉。

大华继显解释说：“我们坚信家盟吉将是与主承包商中国交通建设公司长期合作的明显受益者之一，以及与目前由家盟吉建造的州行政中心（关丹）相邻的招标铁路线。”

该券商表示，其他潜在的赢家将包括双威建设集团有限公司（SUNCON，5263，建筑组），怡保工程机构有限公司（IJM，3336，建筑组），马资源机构有限公司（MRCB，1651，产业组）和WCT控股有限公司（WCT，9679，建筑组），因为它们在建设铁路工作岗位方面有着良好的记录。

大华继显说，至于建材公司，如果该项目仍然主要涉及高架结构，安裕资源有限公司（ANNJOO，6556，工业产品组）等钢铁公司将成为主要受益者。

不然，拉法大马有限公司（LAFMSIA，3794，工业产品组）、杨忠礼洋灰有限公司和谦工业有限公司（HUMEIND，5000，工业产品组）等洋灰公司将从中受益，而鸿达资源有限公司（PRESTAR，9873，工业产品组）等其他公司可以从护栏工程中获益，因为它在当地护栏中占有50％的市场份额。

与此同时，一位经纪公司的分析师表示，东铁的复苏将有助于恢复对当地建筑行业的情绪，由于新政府于去年5月上台执政后决定推迟或取消国内大型基础设施项目，因此不少公司成为牺牲品。

他解释说：“东铁协议的进展绝对是个好消息……如果该项目恢复，本地企业将有机会扩大其订单，反过来将有助于恢复对本地建筑行业的情绪。”

事实上，自从马来西亚和中国在恢复东铁的谈判中取得进展以来，建筑业已经出现了‘轻微反弹’。

自周二以来，马来西亚交易所建筑指数（KLCON Index）上涨了8％。

在最近的报告中，马来亚银行投资银行指出，尽管下行风险有限，但当地建筑行业正在等待积极的重新评级催化剂以提振市场情绪。

该券商表示，东铁的潜在复苏可能会成为该行业重新评级所需的刺激因素。

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-12 17:16 | Report Abuse

该券商表示，其他潜在的赢家将包括双威建设集团有限公司（SUNCON，5263，建筑组），怡保工程机构有限公司（IJM，3336，建筑组），马资源机构有限公司（MRCB，1651，产业组）和WCT控股有限公司（WCT，9679，建筑组），因为它们在建设铁路工作岗位方面有着良好的记录。

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-12 22:39 | Report Abuse

https://thecoverage.my/news/superpower-china-will-not-allow-ecrl-scrapped-theres-nothing-malaysia-can-mahathir-said-side-china-u-s/

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-12 22:41 | Report Abuse

Superpower China Will Not Allow ECRL To Be Scrapped : There’s Nothing Malaysia Can Do – Mahathir Said He Would Side With China Over The U.S
BythecoveragePosted on March 10, 2019
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ECRL (East Coast Rail Link) project is still being suspended, but not for long. After 10 months under the new government of Mahathir Mohamad, the RM81 billion mega-project, first approved by former Prime Minister Najib Razak on October 2016, has become the biggest headache for the 93-year-old premier, the world’s oldest leader.

The on-again, off-again ECRL has caused huge confusion in the financial market for the last 10 months. People were fed with news that the project has been cancelled, only to be deferred and then changed to re-negotiation before the cycle repeats itself again. Contradicting statements from Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng and Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali made the situation worse.

The biggest issue is the gigantic cost of the project. When Mr. Najib announced his pet project, it was announced that it would cost taxpayers RM55 billion for the entire 688-km line. However, when the Pakatan Harapan coalition took over the government, it discovered that the final cost of the ECRL project is actually a staggering US$20 billion (RM81.7 billion).



As it turned out, Najib’s dirty secret deal with China contractors included – “special payments” – to cover the infamous 1MDB’s (1Malaysia Development Berhad) massive debts. This was achieved by jacking up the ECRL project cost by a whopping RM30 billion of taxpayers’ money to bail out the Ponzi scheme. After the downfall of Najib regime, the debts of 1MDB was revealed to be RM50 billion.

Two months ago, some meeting minutes found and published by the Wall Street Journal exposed not only about kickbacks in the hanky-panky deal, but also astonishing discovery that the disgraced ex-PM Najib had even allowed Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy to dock and use Malaysian ports. Clearly, it was an act of treason – selling the country’s sovereignty for cash.

MUST READ Mat Sabu Got Caught Tangkap Basah In Room 121 Hotel Perdana : 4 Witnesses Confirmed That Mat Sabu Was Alone With Norma
By now, it’s safe to presume that the ECRL project will continue simply because China will not allow the important infrastructure project to be scrapped under the Mahathir administration. The current negotiation is no longer about whether the project can be cancelled or postponed. It has passed that. The ongoing negotiation is about how much more discount China can offer.

Indeed, Malaysia is trapped in a debt hole so massive that if the ECRL was to proceed as initially agreed, it would cost the country RM500 million annually in interest payment alone. That’s about RM41.7 million every month or RM10.4 million every week, thanks to Najib the son of Razak. Hiding behind China, Najib had the cheek to warn Mahathir to be careful about “offending” the superpower.

Fortunately, both nations’ 45 years of diplomatic ties, not to mention influential billionaire Robert Kuok’s close relationship with Beijing, enables Mahathir administration the special privilege to re-negotiate the deal in a manner not other nations could enjoy. In January, Beijing’s Embassy in Kuala Lumpur released a song marking the lasting friendship between China and Malaysia.

Considering Mahathir had engaged anti-China election campaign last year, the Malaysian leader should consider himself lucky that Beijing has not retaliated against the country economically. Of course, Mahathir has to thank the Malaysian richest man, Robert Kuok, appointed as key adviser in bridging Beijing and Kuala Lumpur to prevent diplomatic disaster.

Still, a business deal is a business deal. Last month, China offered a staggering 50% discount for the ECRL project. The unbelievable steep discount shows that not only crooked Najib had conspired with the CCCC (China Communications Construction Company) to rip-off the people of Malaysia, but also the importance of the project to the Chinese’s OBOR (One Belt, One Road) initiative.

However, based on Mahathir’s latest interview with the South China Morning Post, it appears even when the cost of the US$20 billion (RM81.9 billion) billion is halved, Malaysia is just too broke for the mega project. The premier wants more discounts. Last August, his government claimed it had received offers to undertake the East Coast Rail Link project for as low as RM10 billion.

MUST READ Najib Mobbed By Thousands of Malaysians Fans At Semenyih Tesco : Thousands Jostling To Take Selfies With Malu Apa Bossku - The Rise of Najib Popularity
But even if China is willing to go as low as RM10 billion, which would be a cheap version without bells and whistles, the project will still be a white elephant. In his interview, Mahathir argued that despite the existing railway servicing the west coast (where the business and people are concentrated) for mo

Posted by PH_better > 2019-03-13 09:39 | Report Abuse

Gadang(also ECRL) fly why WCT cannot?

Posted by 5c0160 > 2019-03-13 18:45 | Report Abuse

NO hope.

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-13 20:58 | Report Abuse

http://www.takungpao.com/news/232108/2019/0221/250315.html

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-13 20:59 | Report Abuse

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中马东铁项目谈判获进展 千亿高铁将重启
2019-02-21 03:19:01大公报 作者：张宝峰、凯雷

图：二○一七年八月，中国交建承建的马来西亚东海岸铁路在马来西亚关丹举行开工仪式/资料图片

据外媒报道，马来西亚外交部长赛夫丁．阿卜杜拉日前表示，马来西亚正在与中国就重启东海岸铁路项目的谈判取得了进展，该谈判由马总理马哈蒂尔的顾问达因领头。赛夫丁在接受外媒采访时还表示，中国愿意降低200亿美元（约1570亿港元）的东海岸铁路项目价格，且双方的磋商已处在“最后一英里”。

据彭博社报道，赛夫丁19日表示：东铁项目的谈判由马来西亚总理马哈蒂尔的顾问达因领头，目的是重新达成一个规模较小、成本较低的项目。赛夫丁还说，“除非我们没有谈拢，否则就不会取消这个项目。中国理解我们的处境，也愿意削减该项目原本总额200亿美元的造价。相关谈判应该已经进入尾声了。”

东海岸铁路一波三折

近年来，大马东海岸高铁项目可谓一波三折。2016年，时任马来西亚总理纳吉布发表财政预算案时宣布东海岸铁路造价为550亿林吉特（约合人民币894亿元）。2017年8月，中国投资合作、全长逾600公里的马来西亚半岛东海岸铁路举行动土仪式。马来西亚总理纳吉布保证，该计划会在2024年完工，届时可带动彭亨、登嘉楼及吉兰丹这三个东海岸州属的经济发展，也有助减缓马六甲海峡的繁忙情况。2018年，马哈蒂尔再次执政，搁置超过200亿美元的中国承建的基建项目，其中包括由吉隆坡至新加坡的高铁以及大马东海岸铁路的建设。

对於在东海岸铁路项目上“爽约”的理由，马哈蒂尔曾表示，“东海岸铁路项目不是我们能负担得起的。它达不到任何目的，也会不给我们任何回报。通过取消这些庞大的项目，我们可以一口气减少2000亿林吉特（约合人民币3212亿元）。”

双方上月恢复谈判

马哈蒂尔重新掌权以来，外媒认为他一直在试探马来西亚与中国的关系。但近期迹象显示，马来西亚希望缓和与中国的紧张关系。马哈蒂尔上月表示，政府是因成本问题暂停了该铁路项目。在那之后，双方恢复了关於该项目的谈判。

马来西亚前总理纳吉布在2016年发表财政预算案时宣布东海岸铁路造价为550亿令吉（约合人民币894亿元）。不过马来西亚元老理事会主席郭达因此前曾表示，东铁实际成本远高於此。550亿令吉只是第一阶段的成本，若加上第二阶段工程，实际成本将超过660亿令吉。

针对中马在东海岸铁路项目上的波折，外交部发言人耿爽此前曾表示，“中国和马来西亚是友好邻邦。中方高度重视同马来西亚的友好关系。当前，中马全面战略夥伴关系发展势头良好，互利合作成果丰硕，给两国和两国人民带来了实实在在的好处和利益，这值得双方共同珍惜和维护。”

中企重大项目进展


东岸高铁项目波折


规模适度缩小 双方均可接受



图：马来西亚民众在吉隆坡参观中国高速铁路展/资料图片

中国社科院亚太与全球战略研究院研究员许利平对大公报说，马来西亚东海岸铁路项目从取消到延期，从重新评估到取得进展，一波三折，背后的原因复杂。

“因为这个项目是中国与马来西亚纳吉布政府签署的，所以马哈蒂尔执政后，便对这个项目展开评估，这属於政治因素的影响。”许利平分析说，这种状况也与马来西亚国家的财政状况有关系，他们认为这个项目占用了大量的财政资金，使马来西亚赤字增加。

对於眼下项目进展重现曙光，许利平认为，这说明中马都期望达到一个双方均可接受的解决方案，毕竟如果彻底停止这个项目，也将造成马来西亚政府难以承担的赔偿金额。许利平预计，这个项目最终的解决方案很可能倾向於适度缩小东海岸铁路的建设规模。

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-13 21:07 | Report Abuse

数字报
新闻 评论 影像 财经 艺文 生活 专题
首页 > 新闻 > 中国 > 正文
中马东铁项目谈判获进展 千亿高铁将重启
2019-02-21 03:19:01大公报 作者：张宝峰、凯雷

图：二○一七年八月，中国交建承建的马来西亚东海岸铁路在马来西亚关丹举行开工仪式/资料图片

据外媒报道，马来西亚外交部长赛夫丁．阿卜杜拉日前表示，马来西亚正在与中国就重启东海岸铁路项目的谈判取得了进展，该谈判由马总理马哈蒂尔的顾问达因领头。赛夫丁在接受外媒采访时还表示，中国愿意降低200亿美元（约1570亿港元）的东海岸铁路项目价格，且双方的磋商已处在“最后一英里”。

据彭博社报道，赛夫丁19日表示：东铁项目的谈判由马来西亚总理马哈蒂尔的顾问达因领头，目的是重新达成一个规模较小、成本较低的项目。赛夫丁还说，“除非我们没有谈拢，否则就不会取消这个项目。中国理解我们的处境，也愿意削减该项目原本总额200亿美元的造价。相关谈判应该已经进入尾声了。”

东海岸铁路一波三折

近年来，大马东海岸高铁项目可谓一波三折。2016年，时任马来西亚总理纳吉布发表财政预算案时宣布东海岸铁路造价为550亿林吉特（约合人民币894亿元）。2017年8月，中国投资合作、全长逾600公里的马来西亚半岛东海岸铁路举行动土仪式。马来西亚总理纳吉布保证，该计划会在2024年完工，届时可带动彭亨、登嘉楼及吉兰丹这三个东海岸州属的经济发展，也有助减缓马六甲海峡的繁忙情况。2018年，马哈蒂尔再次执政，搁置超过200亿美元的中国承建的基建项目，其中包括由吉隆坡至新加坡的高铁以及大马东海岸铁路的建设。

对於在东海岸铁路项目上“爽约”的理由，马哈蒂尔曾表示，“东海岸铁路项目不是我们能负担得起的。它达不到任何目的，也会不给我们任何回报。通过取消这些庞大的项目，我们可以一口气减少2000亿林吉特（约合人民币3212亿元）。”

双方上月恢复谈判

马哈蒂尔重新掌权以来，外媒认为他一直在试探马来西亚与中国的关系。但近期迹象显示，马来西亚希望缓和与中国的紧张关系。马哈蒂尔上月表示，政府是因成本问题暂停了该铁路项目。在那之后，双方恢复了关於该项目的谈判。

马来西亚前总理纳吉布在2016年发表财政预算案时宣布东海岸铁路造价为550亿令吉（约合人民币894亿元）。不过马来西亚元老理事会主席郭达因此前曾表示，东铁实际成本远高於此。550亿令吉只是第一阶段的成本，若加上第二阶段工程，实际成本将超过660亿令吉。

针对中马在东海岸铁路项目上的波折，外交部发言人耿爽此前曾表示，“中国和马来西亚是友好邻邦。中方高度重视同马来西亚的友好关系。当前，中马全面战略夥伴关系发展势头良好，互利合作成果丰硕，给两国和两国人民带来了实实在在的好处和利益，这值得双方共同珍惜和维护。”

中企重大项目进展


东岸高铁项目波折


规模适度缩小 双方均可接受



图：马来西亚民众在吉隆坡参观中国高速铁路展/资料图片

中国社科院亚太与全球战略研究院研究员许利平对大公报说，马来西亚东海岸铁路项目从取消到延期，从重新评估到取得进展，一波三折，背后的原因复杂。

“因为这个项目是中国与马来西亚纳吉布政府签署的，所以马哈蒂尔执政后，便对这个项目展开评估，这属於政治因素的影响。”许利平分析说，这种状况也与马来西亚国家的财政状况有关系，他们认为这个项目占用了大量的财政资金，使马来西亚赤字增加。

对於眼下项目进展重现曙光，许利平认为，这说明中马都期望达到一个双方均可接受的解决方案，毕竟如果彻底停止这个项目，也将造成马来西亚政府难以承担的赔偿金额。许利平预计，这个项目最终的解决方案很可能倾向於适度缩小东海岸铁路的建设规模。

Posted by ooibkk23 > 2019-03-13 21:32 | Report Abuse

Suddenly, come one best wct promoter.

Posted by trap666 > 2019-03-13 22:00 | Report Abuse

lol。。。cabut lo

Posted by 5c0160 > 2019-03-14 19:13 | Report Abuse

Faster run no hope. Tmr below 080.

Posted by Jmz88 > 2019-03-15 09:33 | Report Abuse

Issued ESOS @ 0.82

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-15 14:19 | Report Abuse

Content
OTHERS
WCT Holdings Berhad ('WCT' or 'the Company')(I) Proposed Renewal of Share
Buy-Back Authority(II) Proposed Renewal of Shareholders' Mandate for Recurrent
Related Party Transactions of a revenue or trading nature(III) Proposed
Adoption of new Constitution of the Company(collectively referred to as the
'Proposals')
You are advised to read the entire contents of the announcement or attachment.
To read the entire contents of the announcement or attachment, please access
the Bursa website at http://www.bursamalaysia.com

Posted by kuaTAKtahu > 2019-03-17 23:03 | Report Abuse

What if WCT fall below 80 sen?

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-18 15:38 | Report Abuse

-A+A
KUALA LUMPUR (March 18): While sentiment on the construction sector is seen to have somewhat recovered, construction stocks are seen to be running ahead of its fundamentals, according to MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd Research.

In a report today, MIDF Research's Muhammad Danial Abd Razak highlighted that further extension to the gains must be underpinned by commensurable growth in forward earnings, as sectorial price momentum has thus far outperformed the broader market.

"As of writing, we think the sector is still lacking solid catalysts which extend beyond the current visibility," said Muhammad Danial, downgrading the sector to "neutral" from "positive".

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Going ahead, further gains must be driven by strength in earnings and prospects, said Danial, which he believes the sector players will remain beneficiaries of from existing projects, namely light rail transit line 3 (LRT3) and mass rapid transit line 2 (MRT2), and given its size of more than RM40 billion combined that is expected to support earnings in the immediate to medium term.

"We believe public projects comprising railways will continue to hold a significant share in the local industry, as potential roll-out of similar scale remains a possibility," said Muhammad Danial.

Nonetheless, Muhammad Danial suggested that near-term challenges will gravitate towards execution as he explained that the conversion from project delivery partner (PDP) to turnkey structure means contractors will need to bear the execution risk.

"Managing it well will likely translate to better margin, derived from the work progress completed," he said, adding that the extension period given for LRT3 should provide headroom for contractors to better allocate and spread out their resources.

He noted that upside risk to the sector could potentially be the revival of East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, should a meaningful portion be shared with local contractors.

Recall that previously local contractors could be allotted at least 30% of the civil works, as sub-contractors, worth about RM16.5 billion, he said.

Additionally, Muhammad Danial opined that the recent announcement on the takeover of Gamuda Bhd's toll highways is an added overhang factor, given that the company is a Bursa Malaysia Construction Index heavyweight.

For potential exposures, he suggested investors to take a closer look on companies with niche expertise and healthy balance sheet, namely Gabungan AQRS Bhd (BUY, target price (TP): RM1.87) and Muhibbah Engineering (M) Bhd (BUY, TP: RM3.15).

Notably, Muhammad Danial said seven out of eleven construction companies under the research house's coverage ended the year within and above the yearly estimates, with Muhibbah and KKB Engineering Bhd both posting results beyond expectations.

However, he downgraded Sunway Construction Group Bhd (+30.8% gain since January) and Gamuda (+29% gain since January) to neutral, from buy, as the previously beaten-down counters have recently risen close to their fair values.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Danial noted that the immediate prospect looks brighter in Sarawak as the state government has recently announced a record budget of RM9.1 billion for development.

Accordingly, the amount will be used to fund a few major infra projects including the Coastal Road, Second Trunk Road and the Water Grid Project.

"Following our optimistic view on Sarawak, we would recommend investors to consider Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd (BUY, TP: RM4.13) and KKB Engineering (BUY, TP: RM1.33), which we opine to be the front-runner for the pending roll-out of the infrastructure projects aforementioned," said Muhammad Danial.

Construction stocks

Company Share price (RM)* YTD change (%) YTD change (RM) Market Cap (RM, MIL)
IJM Corp Bhd 1.99 23.46 0.42 7,252.60
Gamuda Bhd 2.92 24.79 0.67 7,207.06
Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd 3.39 25.65 0.65 3,625.18
Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd 0.815 32.52 0.21 3,585.88
Sunway Construction Group Bhd 1.86 38.35 0.54 2,377.73
Lafarge Malaysia Bhd 2.19 22.65 0.38 1,886.32
Ekovest Bhd 0.565 25.84 0.13 1,197.98
WCT Holdings Bhd 0.83 22.22 0.15 1,139.00
George Kent (M) Bhd 1.17 40.12 0.37 630.18
Gabungan AQRS Bhd

Posted by 129055444514385 > 2019-03-19 12:13 | Report Abuse

rebounding soon? :)

18/03/2019 0.83 0.82 - 0.83 0.83 0.00 (0.00%) 1,112,200
15/03/2019 0.82 0.81 - 0.83 0.83 +0.01 (1.22%) 2,191,200
14/03/2019 0.84 0.82 - 0.855 0.82 -0.02 (2.38%) 2,232,700
13/03/2019 0.845 0.835 - 0.845 0.84 -0.005 (0.59%) 1,005,100
12/03/2019 0.84 0.84 - 0.86 0.845 +0.01 (1.20%) 2,300,200
11/03/2019 0.815 0.815 - 0.855 0.835 +0.02 (2.45%) 4,933,500
08/03/2019 0.81 0.805 - 0.815 0.815 +0.005 (0.62%) 1,086,100
07/03/2019 0.815 0.81 - 0.825 0.81 -0.005 (0.61%) 2,091,200
06/03/2019 0.80 0.80 - 0.815 0.815 +0.015 (1.88%) 1,761,100
05/03/2019 0.82 0.80 - 0.82 0.80 -0.02 (2.44%) 1,910,300
04/03/2019 0.82 0.81 - 0.83 0.82 +0.005 (0.61%) 1,112,900
01/03/2019 0.83 0.80 - 0.83 0.815 -0.03 (3.55%) 2,879,100
28/02/2019 0.855 0.84 - 0.855 0.845 -0.01 (1.17%) 1,500,400
27/02/2019 0.86 0.845 - 0.865 0.855 -0.01 (1.16%) 783,300
26/02/2019 0.86 0.855 - 0.87 0.865 0.00 (0.00%) 1,146,500
25/02/2019 0.89 0.855 - 0.90 0.865 -0.025 (2.81%) 4,491,900
22/02/2019 0.905 0.875 - 0.905 0.89 -0.015 (1.66%) 2,058,600
21/02/2019 0.88 0.875 - 0.91 0.905 +0.03 (3.43%) 6,926,200
20/02/2019 0.87 0.87 - 0.885 0.875 +0.015 (1.74%) 6,399,200
19/02/2019 0.84 0.84 - 0.87 0.86 +0.02 (2.38%) 6,437,000

Posted by 129055444514385 > 2019-03-19 12:14 | Report Abuse

Good news coming? EPF was buying non-stop since Dec 2018 :)

EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND BOARD 05-Mar-2019 Acquired 14,000 0.000 View Detail
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND BOARD 28-Feb-2019 Acquired 577,000 0.000 View Detail
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND BOARD 27-Feb-2019 Acquired 135,900 0.000 View Detail
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND BOARD 26-Feb-2019 Acquired 171,900 0.000 View Detail
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND BOARD 25-Feb-2019 Acquired 2,000,000 0.000 View Detail
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND BOARD 19-Feb-2019 Acquired 150,000 0.000 View Detail
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND BOARD 13-Feb-2019 Acquired 100,000 0.000 View Detail
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND BOARD 12-Feb-2019 Acquired 64,500 0.000 View Detail
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND BOARD 11-Feb-2019 Acquired 200,000 0.000 View Detail
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND BOARD 04-Feb-2019 Acquired 60,000 0.000 View Detail
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND BOARD 31-Jan-2019 Acquired 30,000 0.000 View Detail
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND BOARD 30-Jan-2019 Acquired 320,600 0.000 View Detail
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND BOARD 28-Jan-2019 Acquired 768,033 0.000 View Detail
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND BOARD 24-Jan-2019 Acquired 2,204,700 0.000 View Detail
LEMBAGA TABUNG HAJI 28-Dec-2018 Notice of Person Ceasing 118,655,900 0.000 View Detail
URUSHARTA JAMAAH SDN BHD 28-Dec-2018 Notice of Interest 118,655,900 0.000 View Detail
TAN SRI LIM SIEW CHOON 26-Dec-2018 Acquired 200,000 0.000 View Detail
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND BOARD 19-Dec-2018 Acquired 250,000 0.000 View Detail
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND BOARD 11-Dec-2018 Acquired 277,100 0.000

Posted by 129055444514385 > 2019-03-19 12:20 | Report Abuse

share buyback coming kah? :)

OTHERS WCT Holdings Berhad ("WCT" or "the Company") (I) Proposed Renewal of Share Buy-Back Authority (II) Proposed Renewal of Shareholders' Mandate for Recurrent Related Party Transactions of a revenue or trading nature (III) Proposed Adoption of new Constitution of the Company (collectively referred to as the "Proposals")
WCT HOLDINGS BERHAD

Type Announcement
Subject OTHERS
Description WCT Holdings Berhad ("WCT" or "the Company")

(I) Proposed Renewal of Share Buy-Back Authority
(II) Proposed Renewal of Shareholders' Mandate for Recurrent Related Party Transactions of a revenue or trading nature
(III) Proposed Adoption of new Constitution of the Company
(collectively referred to as the "Proposals")
The Board of Directors of WCT wishes to announce that the Company proposes to seek its shareholders’ approval for the abovementioned Proposals at the Company’s forthcoming 8th Annual General Meeting.



A Circular/Statement to Shareholders containing the details of the Proposals will be despatched to the shareholders of the Company in due course together with the Company’s Annual Report 2018.


This announcement is dated 15 March 2019.

Posted by 129055444514385 > 2019-03-19 12:21 | Report Abuse

current price is below ESOS price , cheap sale now

Additional Listing Announcement /Subdivision of Shares
WCT HOLDINGS BERHAD

1. Details of Corporate Proposal
Involve issuance of new type/class of securities ? No
Types of corporate proposal ESOS
Details of corporate proposal WCT Holdings Berhad Employees' Share Option Scheme (2013/2023)
No. of shares issued under this corporate proposal 16,000
Issue price per share ($$) Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) 0.8200
Par Value($$) (if applicable) Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) 0.000
Latest issued share capital after the above corporate proposal in the following
Units 1,416,419,871
Issued Share Capital ($$) Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) 898,050,366.280
Listing Date 15 Mar 2019


Remarks :
The above Issued Share Capital of the Company excluded the share premium of RM2,311,411,000 (as at 30/01/2017) which the Company may utilise it within 24 months from the commencement of Section 74 of the Companies Act, 2016.

Posted by 129055444514385 > 2019-03-19 12:22 | Report Abuse

WOW.... ada share dividend juga :)

OTHERS WCT Holdings Berhad ("WCT" or "the Company") - Proposed Final Dividend
WCT HOLDINGS BERHAD

Type Announcement
Subject OTHERS
Description WCT Holdings Berhad ("WCT" or "the Company")
- Proposed Final Dividend
The Board of Directors of WCT is pleased to announce that the Board has resolved to recommend a final single tier share dividend via a distribution of treasury shares on the basis of two (2) treasury shares for every one hundred (100) existing ordinary shares held in the Company at a date of entitlement to be determined later in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2018.



The aforesaid proposed final dividend is subject to the shareholders' approval being obtained at the Company's forthcoming Eighth Annual General Meeting and any fractions arising from the distribution of treasury shares will be disregarded and dealt with at the discretion of the Directors.



This announcement is dated 28 February 2019.

Posted by 129055444514385 > 2019-03-19 12:25 | Report Abuse

WCT has not risen a lot compared to its peers :)


Construction stocks

Company Share price (RM)* YTD change (%) YTD change (RM) Market Cap (RM, MIL)
IJM Corp Bhd 1.99 23.46 0.42 7,252.60
Gamuda Bhd 2.92 24.79 0.67 7,207.06
Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd 3.39 25.65 0.65 3,625.18
Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd 0.815 32.52 0.21 3,585.88
Sunway Construction Group Bhd 1.86 38.35 0.54 2,377.73
Lafarge Malaysia Bhd 2.19 22.65 0.38 1,886.32
Ekovest Bhd 0.565 25.84 0.13 1,197.98
WCT Holdings Bhd 0.83 22.22 0.15 1,139.00
George Kent (M) Bhd 1.17 40.12 0.37 630.18
Gabungan AQRS Bhd 1.23 46.74 0.36 602.11

*closing price as at March 15
Source: Bloomberg

Posted by 129055444514385 > 2019-03-19 12:31 | Report Abuse

ECRL revival could benefit WCT tremendously if it could obtain a portion of the job given its track record.... Wonder why EPF continued to sapu WCT shares? :)


Other potential winners, it said, would include Sunway Construction Group Bhd, IJM Corp Bhd, Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd and WCT Holdings Bhd, given their proven track records for the construction of rail-work jobs.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2019/02/22/construction-to-gain-from-ecrl-revival/#YchToEMOTuZzfOc2.99

Posted by 129055444514385 > 2019-03-19 12:32 | Report Abuse

Look solid :)

WCT Financial Information
Market Capital (RM)
: 1.147b
Number of Share
: 1.416b
EPS (cent)
: 7.89 *
P/E Ratio
: 10.27
ROE (%)
: 3.51
Dividend (cent)
: 3.000 ^
Dividend Yield (%)
: 3.70
Dividend Policy (%)
: 0
NTA (RM)
: 2.250
Par Value (RM)
: 0.500

* Calculated based on the net profit of the trailing twelve months and latest number of shares issued.
^ Total dividend amount declared for financial year ended 2017-12-31.

Posted by Good123 > 2019-03-19 13:36 | Report Abuse

Malaysia is still developing, construction is unavoidable... wct has not risen a lot compared to other construction stocks and epf is buying non-stop since dec 2018.... also below esos price of 82sen now. grab some b4 opportunity disappears

Posted by 129055444514385 > 2019-03-19 14:16 | Report Abuse

2 years ago, wct shares were acquired by its largest shareholder at RM2.50, :)

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2016/11/02/wct-founders-exit-firm/

Posted by 129055444514385 > 2019-03-19 14:18 | Report Abuse

2 years ago, wct shares were acquired by its largest shareholder at RM2.50, :)

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2016/11/02/wct-founders-exit-firm/

Posted by 129055444514385 > 2019-03-19 14:18 | Report Abuse

2 years ago, wct shares were acquired by its largest shareholder at RM2.50, :)

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2016/11/02/wct-founders-exit-firm/

Posted by 129055444514385 > 2019-03-19 14:19 | Report Abuse

2 years ago, wct shares were acquired by its largest shareholder at RM2.50, :)

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2016/11/02/wct-founders-exit-firm/

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-19 15:56 | Report Abuse

Zeeland Press

HOME BUSINESS BREAKING STOCKS ABOUT US »
WCT HOLDINGS BERHAD (9679.KL) Sees a Nice Gain of 16.90% For the Quarter
Posted by Katie Hansen on March 16, 2019 at 4:44 am
WCT HOLDINGS BERHAD (9679.KL) shares are showing positive signals short-term as the stock has finished higher by 16.90% over the past three months. In taking a look at recent performance, we can see that shares have moved -0.60% over the past 4-weeks, -2.35% over the past half year and -46.10% over the past full year. Shares ticked 1.84 over the past week.

Making ones way through the equity markets can be highly challenging. Investors might be reviewing strategies to see what has worked and what hasn’t worked in the past. After studying the broader economic factors that impact equity markets, it may be time to focus in on specific stocks to add to the portfolio. Investors may examine different sectors first in order to figure out where the majority of the growth potential lies. Doing all the necessary research on sectors can help pinpoint where the next major trend will be forming. This study may not lead to exact findings, but it may provide a better framework with which to operate moving forward in the stock market. Finding those big winners can take a lot of time and effort. Digging through the numbers may be cumbersome at times, but the rewards for sticking with it and putting in the work may pay off greatly down the line. Staying on top of economic news and the fundamentals of stocks in the portfolio on a consistent basis can help the investor better traverse the often rocky terrain that is the stock market.

Currently, the 14-day ADX for WCT HOLDINGS BERHAD (9679.KL) is sitting at 22.60. Generally speaking, an ADX value from 0-25 would indicate an absent or weak trend. A value of 25-50 would support a strong trend. A value of 50-75 would identify a very strong trend, and a value of 75-100 would lead to an extremely strong trend. ADX is used to gauge trend strength but not trend direction. Traders often add the Plus Directional Indicator (+DI) and Minus Directional Indicator (-DI) to identify the direction of a trend.

Investors have the ability to use technical indicators when completing stock research. At the time of writing, WCT HOLDINGS BERHAD (9679.KL) has a 14-day Commodity Channel Index (CCI) of -29.01. Developed by Donald Lambert, the CCI is a versatile tool that may be used to help spot an emerging trend or provide warning of extreme conditions. Moving averages have the ability to be used as a powerful indicator for technical stock analysis. Following multiple time frames using moving averages can help investors figure out where the stock has been and help determine where it may be possibly going. The simple moving average is a mathematical calculation that takes the average price (mean) for a given amount of time. Currently, the 7-day moving average is sitting at 0.83. Moving averages have the ability to be used as a powerful indicator for technical stock analysis. Interested traders may be keeping an eye on the Williams Percent Range or Williams %R. Williams %R is a popular technical indicator created by Larry Williams to help identify overbought and oversold situations. WCT HOLDINGS BERHAD (9679.KL)’s Williams Percent Range or 14 day Williams %R currently sits at -57.14. In general, if the indicator goes above -20, the stock may be considered overbought. Alternately, if the indicator goes below -80, this may point to the stock being oversold.

Shifting gears to the Relative Strength Index, the 14-day RSI is currently sitting at 50.80, the 7-day is 49.44, and the 3-day is currently at 51.45 for WCT HOLDINGS BERHAD (9679.KL). The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a highly popular momentum indicator used for technical analysis. The RSI can help display whether the bulls or the bears are currently strongest in the market. The RSI may be used to help spot points of reversals more accurately. The RSI was developed by J. Welles Wilder. As a general rule, an RSI reading over 70 would signal overbought conditions. A reading under 30 would indicate oversold conditions. As always, the values may need to be adjusted based on the specific stock and market. RSI can also be a valuable tool for trying to spot larger market turns.

The amount of financial information available to individual investors these days is staggering. Accumulating intelligence in the stock market is much easier to do than ever before. All the advances in technology have allowed regular investors to access information with relative ease. Making sense of all the various data can be overwhelming, but plowing through the data may create a solid foundation to start enhancing profits in the market. With so many investing options, traders and investors need to construct a plan that works specifically for them. Becoming educated about the stock market before tackling the beast might assist the individual investor in many ways. Studying how markets and prices mo

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-20 12:07 | Report Abuse

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/pm-mahathir-ecrl-project-can-proceed-when-negotiations-china-finalised

Posted by ooibkk23 > 2019-03-20 17:54 | Report Abuse

Wct will stay at this level until direct and definite good news only will move. You will be disappointed if you buy today and hope to gain profit in few days or weeks.

Posted by 5c0160 > 2019-03-20 17:58 | Report Abuse

Hopeless counter. will break 080 .Dnt expect too much for this counter.

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-20 18:11 | Report Abuse

https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/19074/BERITA/Nasional/Rundingan-ECRL-muktamad-sedikit-masa-lagi

Posted by CharlieSim > 2019-03-20 20:30 | Report Abuse

buy n go to sleep...:)

Posted by ooibkk23 > 2019-03-20 21:41 | Report Abuse

Good idea.

Posted by mrstrong > 2019-03-21 10:54 | Report Abuse

bought 0.81 :)

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-26 18:00 | Report Abuse

CHINA TO SHAVE US$2.4 BILLION OFF COST OF MALAYSIA’S EAST COAST RAIL LINK. BUT WILL IT BE ENOUGH?
BY TASHNY SUKUMARAN
25 MAR 2019
Malaysia’s chief negotiator on the controversial Beijing-backed project, Daim Zainuddin, says a revised deal would send ‘a lot more Malaysia’s way’
But experts say the final terms of the deal – previously criticised by PM Mahathir Mohamad as biased in China’s favour – remain obscure
9
A model of the East Coast Rail Link project during its ground breaking ceremony in Kuantan, Malaysia in 2017. Two years on, the project is mired in uncertainty. Photo: Xinhua
A model of the East Coast Rail Link project during its ground breaking ceremony in Kuantan, Malaysia in 2017. Two years on, the project is mired in uncertainty. Photo: Xinhua
The Chinese government has offered to cut 10 billion ringgit (US$2.45 billion) off the price of Malaysia’s controversial East Coast Rail Link in an effort to get the project back on track before world leaders gather in Beijing for a summit on the “Belt and Road Initiative”. Whether that will be enough to gain a green light for the long-stalled project is anyone’s guess.

Malaysia’s lead negotiator on the China-backed project, Daim Zainuddin, said last week that Beijing was hoping a revised deal could be finalised by April 2, weeks before Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad heads to China for the April 25-27 meeting.

Malaysia scraps China-backed East Coast Rail Link plan over price
Daim said that in addition to the savings, revisions to the deal would ensure “a lot more comes [Malaysia’s] way”. Though Daim did not specify what he meant by this, the project has long faced accusations that its terms are biased in China’s favour. The rail link was among various China-linked projects that Mahathir either suspended or cancelled after his election in May last year. The 93-year-old leader had attacked the projects as inessential and costly and claimed his scandal-tainted predecessor Najib Razak had offered Chinese contractors a “sweetheart deal” as a quid pro quo for bailing out Malaysia’s state investment fund 1MDB.


Malaysia’s government adviser Daim Zainuddin with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing in July. Photo: AFP
Since then a question mark has hung over the rail link, with government ministers giving conflicting accounts over whether a deal was still a live option.

Daim said there was now reason for optimism. “We may be able to resolve this as soon as possible,” he said. “I have a good relationship with [the Chinese] as I have known them since 1971. Maybe they are comfortable with me. I am an old man,” said Daim, who was finance minister from 1984 to 1991 during Mahathir’s first stint as prime minister and is now chairman of the government’s Council of Eminent Persons.

Mahathir says stalled Chinese rail link can go ahead on ‘smaller scale’
However, experts criticised Daim’s comments as being “vague” and pointed out he had not given a definitive figure for the cost of the project, estimates of which have varied wildly according to the source.

Najib had originally claimed the project would cost 55 billion ringgit, but the most recent figure put forward by Mahathir was that the true cost of the 688km line would be 130 billion ringgit. Which figure Daim is using as a basis for his 10 billion ringgit reduction is unclear or – as Dr Ngeow Chow Bing of University Malaya’s Institute of China Studies put it – “a bit vague”.


Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has been accused by some of being anti-China. Photo: AP
Ngeow said Daim’s figure was surprising as he thought Kuala Lumpur was pursuing a greater reduction in cost. “So I am confused … [the contractor China Communication Construction Company] has already offered to halve the cost, which is already a reduction of more than 10 billion ringgit. Does he mean there would be a further reduction of 10 billion ringgit from the halved cost, or the original cost?”

Commenting on why Beijing might have suggested the April 2 date to finalise the project, Ngeow said “I suppose China feels confident that substantial progress has been made but perhaps there are still some small but substantive and difficult parts so a ‘deadline’ or something of the sort is needed to speed things up.”

Dr James Chin of Tasmania University’s Asia Institute also thought Daim’s announcement was unclear, and questioned whether there were “hidden” elements to the deal, such as the promise of other contracts in the future.

Mahathir’s Malaysia still ‘open for business’ with China despite stalled rail link
“The date shows that China wants to settle this quickly. One must assume the Chinese are worried that if they don’t settle, it may give other countries an example of how to deal with China,” he said.

Mahathir has previously indicated negotiations on the rail link might not wind up before the Belt and Road Forum, though he has said the project could continue on “an appropriate scale” depending on China’s attitude to dropping the

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-26 18:04 | Report Abuse

Bursalord CHINA TO SHAVE US$2.4 BILLION OFF COST OF MALAYSIA’S EAST COAST RAIL LINK. BUT WILL IT BE ENOUGH?
BY TASHNY SUKUMARAN
25 MAR 2019
Malaysia’s chief negotiator on the controversial Beijing-backed project, Daim Zainuddin, says a revised deal would send ‘a lot more Malaysia’s way’
But experts say the final terms of the deal – previously criticised by PM Mahathir Mohamad as biased in China’s favour – remain obscure
9
A model of the East Coast Rail Link project during its ground breaking ceremony in Kuantan, Malaysia in 2017. Two years on, the project is mired in uncertainty. Photo: Xinhua
A model of the East Coast Rail Link project during its ground breaking ceremony in Kuantan, Malaysia in 2017. Two years on, the project is mired in uncertainty. Photo: Xinhua
The Chinese government has offered to cut 10 billion ringgit (US$2.45 billion) off the price of Malaysia’s controversial East Coast Rail Link in an effort to get the project back on track before world leaders gather in Beijing for a summit on the “Belt and Road Initiative”. Whether that will be enough to gain a green light for the long-stalled project is anyone’s guess.

Malaysia’s lead negotiator on the China-backed project, Daim Zainuddin, said last week that Beijing was hoping a revised deal could be finalised by April 2, weeks before Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad heads to China for the April 25-27 meeting.

Malaysia scraps China-backed East Coast Rail Link plan over price
Daim said that in addition to the savings, revisions to the deal would ensure “a lot more comes [Malaysia’s] way”. Though Daim did not specify what he meant by this, the project has long faced accusations that its terms are biased in China’s favour. The rail link was among various China-linked projects that Mahathir either suspended or cancelled after his election in May last year. The 93-year-old leader had attacked the projects as inessential and costly and claimed his scandal-tainted predecessor Najib Razak had offered Chinese contractors a “sweetheart deal” as a quid pro quo for bailing out Malaysia’s state investment fund 1MDB.


Malaysia’s government adviser Daim Zainuddin with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing in July. Photo: AFP
Since then a question mark has hung over the rail link, with government ministers giving conflicting accounts over whether a deal was still a live option.

Daim said there was now reason for optimism. “We may be able to resolve this as soon as possible,” he said. “I have a good relationship with [the Chinese] as I have known them since 1971. Maybe they are comfortable with me. I am an old man,” said Daim, who was finance minister from 1984 to 1991 during Mahathir’s first stint as prime minister and is now chairman of the government’s Council of Eminent Persons.

Mahathir says stalled Chinese rail link can go ahead on ‘smaller scale’
However, experts criticised Daim’s comments as being “vague” and pointed out he had not given a definitive figure for the cost of the project, estimates of which have varied wildly according to the source.

Najib had originally claimed the project would cost 55 billion ringgit, but the most recent figure put forward by Mahathir was that the true cost of the 688km line would be 130 billion ringgit. Which figure Daim is using as a basis for his 10 billion ringgit reduction is unclear or – as Dr Ngeow Chow Bing of University Malaya’s Institute of China Studies put it – “a bit vague”.


Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has been accused by some of being anti-China. Photo: AP
Ngeow said Daim’s figure was surprising as he thought Kuala Lumpur was pursuing a greater reduction in cost. “So I am confused … [the contractor China Communication Construction Company] has already offered to halve the cost, which is already a reduction of more than 10 billion ringgit. Does he mean there would be a further reduction of 10 billion ringgit from the halved cost, or the original cost?”

Commenting on why Beijing might have suggested the April 2 date to finalise the project, Ngeow said “I suppose China feels confident that substantial progress has been made but perhaps there are still some small but substantive and difficult parts so a ‘deadline’ or something of the sort is needed to speed things up.”

Dr James Chin of Tasmania University’s Asia Institute also thought Daim’s announcement was unclear, and questioned whether there were “hidden” elements to the deal, such as the promise of other contracts in the future.

Mahathir’s Malaysia still ‘open for business’ with China despite stalled rail link
“The date shows that China wants to settle this quickly. One must assume the Chinese are worried that if they don’t settle, it may give other countries an example of how to deal with China,” he said.

Mahathir has previously indicated negotiations on the rail link might not wind up before the Belt and Road Forum, though he has said the project could continue on “an appropriate scale” depending o

Posted by Bursalord > 2019-03-26 18:04 | Report Abuse

Buy before it's too late.

Posted by 5c0160 > 2019-03-26 20:34 | Report Abuse

Hopeless counter. Never too late to buy. Confirm below 075