Nuclear energy "in 2021" - but no decision yet? - Anil Netto

Najib gives the impression that he is open to ideas regarding alternative sources of energy including the nuclear option – so why did his Cabinet Minister say a nuclear power plant is expected to be operational in 2021?
Najib’s latest blog entry:

As we consider all sources of energy, there has also been some attention given to nuclear energy. Nuclear is arguably efficient and cost effective. The question is this: is it the right one? Before embarking on such an important decision we must conduct a comprehensive study on it. As such the Government is undertaking feasibility studies on nuclear energy use for electricity generation. I am eager to understand better and to know the findings. If we press ahead with nuclear, 12 to 15 years could elapse before energy is produced using small reactors.
Of course, if we do go down the nuclear energy route, we would not be alone. And this is why we are looking around globally to learn from other countries and take note of the advancement in technology of this industry/sector. All this said, I would like to obtain your thoughts on our future electricity generation in Malaysia, especially any views regarding nuclear. Are there alternatives not yet considered, that could firmly establish Malaysia as a global green revolution leader?

Bloomberg reported him as saying that no decision had been taken. And Najib gives the impression that the government is still considering alternative options.
So why was Energy Minister Peter Chin reported yesterday as saying the nuclear power plant would start operations by 2021?

The first nuclear power plant is expected to start operations in 2021, said Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui.
He said his ministry has been given approval by the Economic Council to start identifying suitable sites for the plant, adding that the countdown for nuclear power began three weeks ago.
“Once the site is identified, we will roll out stakeholders consultation,”…

Is Najib backtracking in his blog post today in the face of strong public opposition (even the readers’ comment on his blog seem critical of the idea) to the announcement yesterday?
Or is the nuclear option already a done deal, as Peter Chin seems to suggest, and Najib’s soliciting for public opinion is just a public relations strategy to defuse public disquiet?
I see, there is still no decision now and they are just looking at options. But it sounded like a done deal yesterday, no? Testing the waters (of public reaction), perhaps?