Lim said the discussions on the Multi-Product Pipeline (MPP) and Trans-Sabah Gas Pipeline (TSGP) projects have been going on for the past one year.

“I do not think we can get a better negotiator than Daim. He has the discretion and freedom because even though he is the chief negotiator, he is not part of the government.

“So he is able to manoeuvre as well as have the freedom to make suggestions that can allow both parties to reach amicable and agreeable solutions,” he told Bernama.

Daim, who served as finance minister during Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s first term in power, had led negotiations with Beijing in April this year to review the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.

The project’s cost was lowered from RM65.5 billion to RM44 billion following several changes to the plan.

Lim said Daim managed to pull off the ECRL negotiations without affecting Malaysia’s ties with China.

He added that at the same time, Beijing has agreed to purchase more palm oil, and commit more investments in Malaysia.

“This is the best deal we can get,” he said.

Lim said the pipeline projects in Sabah were among many infrastructure projects that have incurred a huge debt load for the government.

The RM8.3 billion payment to contractors of the project is 88% of the total contract value, although only 13% of the projects have been completed.

The RM9.4 billion project was awarded to China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau on Nov 1, 2016.

“When we ask the contractor to show us where they laid the pipes or the preliminary works they did in Sabah, they refused. When we went on the ground, we could not even find one screw and yet they were already paid RM8.3 billion.

“How can you pay money for no work done? Up until now, they failed to give any explanations,” added Lim.