Transport ministry open to investigation into reports of bribery in MRT project

Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong today said his ministry was open to an investigation into claims of bribery in the public transportation infrastructure construction of the MRT project.

He said the transport ministry would give its cooperation, adding that it had always practised transparency without supporting any element of misappropriation in any project related to the ministry.

“I am following this development. I have no problem if an investigation is to be conducted. MRT (Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd) has also stated its willingness to be investigated over the allegation.

“Anyone involved will face action if complaints have been lodged. Let the authorities investigate. We uphold good governance,” he told reporters after attending an event in Putrajaya.

Wee also urged the public not to speculate on the matter until the investigation has been completed by the relevant authorities.

The local media reported that a French authority was investigating allegations of cheating and corruption that happened a few years ago in the MRT project worth RM692 million.

On another recent development on flight delays, Wee advised all airlines in the country against taking the easy way out following public complaints of flight delays with passengers having to wait for a long time at the airport.

“I ask that the airlines look again at their flight schedules and improve their communication by informing their customers earlier on the rescheduling of flights in addressing the complaints,” he said when asked about complaints of flight delays on social media during the recent Aidilfitri celebration.

Wee said he did not want flight delays to be a culture that would tarnish the image of the airlines involved.

On the reported “tonto” syndicates acting as informants to derail law enforcement by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), Wee said his ministry would leave it to the police to further investigate and detect those involved.

“I stand firmly behind JPJ and will always give my support in fending off the pressure placed upon it. We have an efficient police force,” he said in response to a recent statement by Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Abd Jalil Hassan that the police had received five reports on “tonto” activities from last year until this month.