MP SPEAKS | MCA Youth should stop misleading the public and first learn to differentiate between demand-responsive transit (DRT) and e-hailing licences when trying to scrutinise the issues surrounding Asia Mobility Technologies Sdn Bhd (Asia Mobiliti).

While we welcome any investigation of wrongdoings into the issue, MCA Youth is either proving its ignorance or purposefully trying to mislead the public when trying to equate licensing for DRT with a normal e-hailing license.

How can they not grasp something so basic when the MCA president was the transport minister and the Bus on Demand concept was introduced during his time?

The Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) published a call for proposals for the Bus on Demand proof of concept (POC) on Sept 1, 2022. Asia Mobiliti submitted its proposal on Nov 8, 2022, and received approval on Dec 22, 2022. Another company applied for such a licence and also received the same approval.

Currently, there is another company - Kumpool - that has also been granted a licence from Apad and will be given authorisation to conduct a POC for the DRT project aimed at determining the feasibility and viability of that particular product or service.

So, there is no question of exclusivity, monopoly, or preferential treatment when all companies with the needed licence are given a platform and opportunity for their POC with the aim of addressing the last-mile problem when it comes to public transportation.

On top of that, the RM 2.1 million grant that will be allocated to both companies will be paid in stages according to data submitted and proof of performance and not multi-millions as alleged. This is the best way to prove performance and to ensure the funds allocated are not abused for other purposes.

While any scrutiny faced by the DRT project is welcomed and part of a healthy democracy, any attempts to spin the facts by MCA Youth are highly irresponsible and shallow. If that is the type of politics MCA Youth is trying to bring, it should be rejected by any right-minded Malaysians.

We do not compromise on the standards of accountability demanded by the people. Only by maintaining a consistent and transparent approach can we ensure public trust and integrity in all governmental activities.

KELVIN YII is Kuching MP.

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