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Wednesday, May 23, 2018

SPAD staff worried, says ex-chairman as shutdown looms

Syed Hamid says clarification must be made by the transport ministry on fate of SPAD employees.
Syed Hamid Albar wants transport ministry to meet SPAD staff to allay their fears. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: The former chairman of the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) is concerned about the fate of some 1,000 employees in the agency following Putrajaya’s announcement that it would be disbanded, as taxi drivers welcomed the move.
Syed Hamid Albar, who was appointed to chair SPAD when it was formed eight years ago, said he respects the government’s decision to absorb the body into the transport ministry.
But he said the ministry must be fair with SPAD employees especially with the approaching Hari Raya celebrations.
“The announcement has sent everyone into a panic. They have been calling me and asking what to do.
“I told them it is the Cabinet’s decision and I am not in SPAD or Cabinet. The ones deciding must have evaluated all aspects of the decision,” he told FMT.
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today announced that SPAD and the previous government’s propaganda unit, the Special Affairs Department (Jasa), would be dissolved.
Syed Hamid, a former minister, hoped a detailed discussion will be held with SPAD employees.
Syed Hamid had earlier defended SPAD, saying it had played its role in planning strategies, just like the Land Transportation Agency (LTA) in Singapore.
Taxi driver unions had lately been urging the new government to dissolve SPAD and have the Road Transport Department (JPJ) take over its duties.
Taxi drivers happy
Today, the taxi associations welcomed the decision to dissolve SPAD.
Persatuan Transformasi Pemandu Teksi Malaysia (PERS1M) deputy chairman Kamarudin Mohd Hussain said he was grateful to Mahathir for abolishing SPAD.
“SPAD has not been doing us any good since it was implemented in 2010. It has only given trouble to the industry players.
“This move shows the new government is responsive and cares about its people,” he told FMT.
Similarly, KL Selangor Taxi Association secretary S Balakrishnan said SPAD had always burdened the taxi drivers.
“No good things came from them.
“We thank the government for listening to us as this is what we had wanted all this while. We hope there will also be a discussion between the taxi industry and the transport ministry or JPJ.
“We will also like to discuss other problems facing us.”
Public transport pressure group, Persatuan Pengguna Pengguna Pengangkutan Awam Malaysia (4PAM) welcomed the decision to abolish SPAD.
The group which has been fighting for the rights of public transport users, had been advocating for SPAD to report to the transport ministry.
“With this new development, we believe all of SPAD’s functions will come directly under the transport ministry,” said 4PAM president Ajit Johl
“This will ensure greater transparency, more efficient management and less interference from those with political interests.”
Ajit thanked the Cabinet for acting quickly on the matter.
“We hope our call for the creation of a Public Transport Tariff Review Committee and Public Transport Ombudsman will also be accepted.” -FMT

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