Let me say at the outset that I think the planned Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) is the right way to go for longer term public transportation solutions in the Klang Valley. The opposition should not object to the project per se but ask that it is done prudently and transparently.

Already cynics are speculating how this RM 50 billion project is going to leave taxpayers yet again with the short end of the stick. They cannot be blamed as history is replete with examples of government projects mired with cost overruns, crony contractors and poor implementation not to mention blatant corruption.

It seems every time the government of the day tells us that a project is in our best interest and done with due diligence it elicits more eye rolling than a jar full of marbles spinning in a centrifuge.

Others who are apathetic just shrug their shoulders seemingly resigned to tolerate corruption for the sake of development. But bringing development is a legitimate expectation of voters from the government of the day not some privilege that we should be grateful for.

If a snatch thief steals RM100 from you then returns RM20 will you be grateful? If you gave someone RM500 to buy groceries and they told you they spent it all on a tin of biscuits and two cans of sardines will you be grateful and accept the explanation?

About one year ago MMC-Gamuda on their own initiative suggested this project to the government and over the last two months or so there has been robust debate on this. You can view details of the project at the Bangsar LRT station or peruse information on the MRT project with the LRT extensions – you will notice that this time the government has shared more information than in any past rail project but it is still insufficient to address many other concerns.

Having said that many of the questions that have been raised about the MRT project have not been addressed satisfactorily by the Land Public Transport Commission (LPTC or Spad – the government regulator for the project) – or MMC-Gamuda (the project delivery partner) and other government stakeholders.

Subang MP R Sivarasa said in an interview that even though the trains will run through the areas represented by Pakatan MP, they are often not engaged or consulted and when they are, they only get partial answers to queries and concerns. At least four of the proposed stations will be built in Sivarasa’s constituency.

To make matters worse Spad chairman is none other than Syed Hamid Albar, a former home minister infamous for once saying that reporter Tan Hoon Cheng was detained under the Internal Security Act "for her own protection".

Albar is also the same person who once launched a massive three-day 1,600-personnel police operation to lock down Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley causing great financial losses and inconveniencing thousands of people, based on questionable intelligence about a non-existent high-level Pakatan Rakyat leadership meeting gleaned from two speeches, two blogs and two SMS.

The irony of someone who caused a huge traffic gridlock being now appointed chairman of a transport commission is a tragicomedy of sorts.

Do you feel confident that he will be able to play his new role effectively? Well I don't. Spad's main objective is to formulate policies pertaining to public transport, monitor and plan rail, bus and taxi services as well as the transport of goods by both rail and road. Do we have such a dearth of talent that we have to appoint this clown?

Despite heavy public criticism against the MRT, the government appears determined to go ahead with it. Tenders for various sub-contract works are being called and contracts are likely be awarded by June. Construction is expected to start in July. Is this enough time to study the various aspects of this project ?

We seem sidetracked by petty issues like angry residents unhappy that the project is running through their neighbourhoods. While some may have legitimate grouses others are the selfish ones who own cars and have rarely or never used public transportation. I know of some who made a big hue and cry when the LRT was being built in their neighbourhoods but today are happily collecting premium rentals on their property.

The pertinent questions to ask are:

1. At what cost is it being built and is it competitive including the terms and conditions?

2. Are the routes integrated with our existing transport system optimally with sufficient parking space?

3. Can our current transport system especially feeder buses cater to the MRT's huge volume and if not (most likely not) how much will an upgrade cost?

4. Will Spad publish details of all contractors including price tendered and rationale the contracts were awarded on its website?

5. Will Spad publish all queries raised by MP's and address them publicly on its website?

6. What is the background of those appointed to oversee the various aspects of this project and the basis for their appointment?

7. Have we studied problems faced by other countries in implementing similar projects so as to avoid needlessly repeating them?

I hope Opposition MP's and others ask all the above questions and more.

Vijay Kumar Murugavell, a socio-political writer by accident, is a passionate Malaysian who thinks this country deserves better. He also does not own a car nor posses a drivers license and mostly uses public transportation to get around or is sometimes chauffeured to his destination by friends and good Samaritans.