Malaysia’s regime change puts at risk infrastructure projects involving Chinese firms
Previously warm relations between two nations have cooled since Mahathir took charge
Malaysia was once a loyal partner in China’s globe-spanning infrastructure drive, but a new government is now pledging to review Beijing-backed projects.
Kuala Lumpur’s previous regime, led by scandal-mired Najib Razak, had warm ties with China and signed a string of deals for Beijing-funded projects, including a major rail link and a deep-sea port.
But the long-ruling coalition was unexpectedly defeated last month by voters angered at allegations of corruption and rising living costs.
Critics say many agreements lacked transparency, fuelling suspicions they were struck in exchange for help in paying off debts from a financial scandal which ultimately helped bring down Najib’s regime.
The new government, led by former premier Mahathir Mohamad, has pledged to review dubious Chinese deals, calling into question Malaysia’s status as one of Beijing’s most cooperative partners in its infrastructure push.