The Finance Minister should explain: Why spend more & build less?

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng should explain why the former BN government was able to plan for the construction of 26 stations with 42 six-coach train sets for the LRT3 at a construction cost of RM9 billion. Meanwhile, the new PH government can only build a "downscale version" of the LRT3 with only 20 stations and 22 three-coach train sets at RM16.6 billion?

Lim Guan Eng claimed that the government has saved RM15 billion by slashing the cost of LRT3 project. But in reality, the Pakatan’s RM16.6 billion is higher by RM7.6 billion in comparison to the former Barisan government’s RM9 billion.

This means that the Pakatan government has spent more but built less. Lim Guan Eng should explain the reasons as to how this situation became so.

LRT3 Project: Comparison of Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan governments

The initial plan of the LRT3 was based on transportation planning and to reduce traffic congestion problems. It is a forward-looking and long-term solution necessary for the needs of public transportation. However, the Pakatan government has scaled down the entire plan on grounds of cost saving. The so-called cost saving measure is obviously a short-sighted decision.

Prior to implementation of any plan, the government should make long-term and thoughtful considerations, as well as comprehensive and thorough planning to ensure that the speed and scale of public transport construction can meet future commuter loads. This is so that the development of public transportation can keep up with the growth of the city and the needs of residents.

Senator Datuk Ong Chong Swen
Wanita MCA Vice-Chairman

-MCA online-