1 Nov 2019

RTS announcement lacks substance, packaged like by-election candy

The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) monitoring group welcomes the recent announcement by the Pakatan Harapan government to proceed on the project, after it was put on hold for the 6th time. However, there remains a disappointing lack of substantial information regarding the projects’ mechanism. In fact, it can even be likened to be a mere ploy to woo voters in the upcoming Tanjung Piai by-elections.

Essentially, I believe this announcement disappointed many. While everyone looked forward to the end of October as the agreed date for a follow up announcement by the Transport Minister Anthony Loke, the response received was that a few more months’ times would be needed for the amendment of a bilateral agreement with the government of Singapore. PH claims to support the RTS, but are unable to give the Rakyat a specific timeframe.

Besides, Anthony claimed that most of the savings comes from land cost involving the proposed station in Bukit Chagar being handed over by the Johor Ruler. This is absurd, as this relinquishment was already made known in May 2019. The government should instead be finding the most cost-effective way in executing the project in its current framework, not recycling old news as new savings.

On 4 May 2019, the Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar decreed that if the plot of land at Bukit Chagar is involved in the RTS project, then His Majesty agrees to hand over the land to the federal government without any cost. Hence, was there any new development since the last time where Malaysia had to pay compensation amounting to RM1.8 million to the Singapore government? Was it all just a waste of time and money?

Every day, over 200,000 Malaysian citizens cross the Johor-Singapore Causeway for work or studies, painstakingly enduring the perpetual congestion, their sole wish being that the government of the day would put constructive effort into solving the problem. Alas, if the PH government continues to beat around the bush, and even taking advantage via the upcoming by-election, no words can describe the people’s disappointment and fury.

Dr Tee Ching Seng

MCA International Communication & Diplomacy Bureau Chairperson

RTS monitoring group representative

-MCA Online-