Public transport in Malaysia is still plagued with problems now, which has nothing to do with the creation of national car Proton, said PKR Youth secretary Chang Lih Kang

He was responding to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s remark on Tuesday that public transport development in Malaysia has been neglected due to “one man’s obsession” with the idea of a national car.

Chang, who is also Teja assemblyperson, said Najib should “look in the mirror before blaming someone else”.

“There are still a lot of complaints from the rakyat about the issues with public transport services such as the punctuality, technical problems and many more.

“I am sure that if the Malaysian public transport was satisfactorily efficient, then more of the rakyat would choose to use public transport instead of cars, especially to avoid paying tolls and getting stuck in traffic jams,” he said in a statement today.

Najib, he said, is trying to cover up the weaknesses of his administration by making comparisons and blaming former leaders.

Chang said the national car is proof of Malaysian talent in the industry, and it has contributed to the country’s economy.

“The national car project has also put our country’s name out there internationally.

“If you want to compare with Najib’s administration, only mega-scandals such as 1MDB is making Malaysia’s name famous on the world stage.

“That is why I would like to advise Najib to reflect on himself first, before trying to put his own failures on someone else’s shoulders.

“The rakyat have eyes to see, and ears to hear everything,” he said.

Although Najib, who has served two terms as prime minister, did not mention names when he spoke about the obsession with Proton, the national carmaker was the brainchild of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The former premier and Umno leader of 22 years is now Pakatan Harapan’s prime minister candidate for the coming general election.