If Kong Cho Ha continues to ignore all the legitimate voices and concerns about the implementation of AES , he will surely go down in history as the most arrogant Transport Minister

Speech by M Kula Segaran , DAP National Vice Chairman and MP for Ipoh Barat at DAP Dinner Celebrating Kg China Branch’s 30 th Anniversary Formation  on Sunday, November 11, 2012

If Kong Cho Ha continues to ignore all the legitimate voices and concerns about the implementation of AES , he will surely go down in history as the most arrogant Transport Minister

When Dato Sri Najib assumed the post of Prime Minister  more than 3 years ago, he declared that the era where the government knows best is over.

He gave the impression that the BN government would listen to the people and that the BN would not be arrogant anymore. 

This was definitely a declaration that was welcomed by the people.

But there has always been public doubt  whether the BN government can walk the talk on its declaration and slogans which include “People First, Performance Now” and “1 Malaysia”.

The answer is clear. The BN government simply cannot change and the Prime Minister cannot walk the talk.

The Automatic Enforcement System (AES) issue is a very good example .

Since its implementation, there has been strong criticism and growing resistance against the AES.

People who want the AES suspended or reviewed include elected representatives and grassroots supporters from both BN and Opposition camps.

Even CUEPECS and other NGOs have aired their concern about AES. 

Yet the Transport Minister Dato Kong Cho Ho has chosen not to listen to the legitimate concerns .

The Prime Minister too has chosen to behave that the government still knows best about everything. 

A few days ago, in an obvious reaction to pacify public anger, MCA President Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek has called for a grace period of 3 months to learn about the AES.  

He said the Transport Ministry should focus more on educating and engaging the public on the system before fully implementing it.

“Allow a grace period so people understand the implementation and give a warning instead of issuing fines,” he was reported to say so.

How could the Transport Minister continue to behave as if he knows best when his own party president has also voiced concern about the implementation of AES?

If Kong Cho Ha continues to ignore all the legitimate voices and concerns, he will surely go down in history as the most arrogant Transport Minister.

Of course, if MCA President Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek means what he says, he should inform the Prime Minister that the MCA does not want Kong to remain as a Minister.

Let’s see if Chua is serious about what he says.

It is obvious that BN’s campaign theme in the coming general election is Janji Di Tepati.

Let me ask the Prime Minister that when he declared that the era where the government knows best is over, was he not making a promise that his government would listen to the people?

So why has he chosen to remain silent in the face of increasing public criticisms against the AES?