PUTRAJAYA: Gabungan Teksi SeMalaysia (GTSM) today lodged a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) against Transport Minister Anthony Loke for alleged abuse of power.
GTSM president Kamarudin Mohd Hussain said the report, pertaining to amendment of law and regulation related to the transport industry, also included Loke's political secretary Datuk Dahlan Maamor.
He claimed that of late, Loke had been abusing his power by amending laws and regulations without consulting the stakeholders.
"Loke has been making amendments to existing laws for road users, including drivers and passengers, without having any discussions or workshops. This had only benefited the ride-hailing drivers.
"Therefore, we fear there is elements of corruption and abuse of power, hence the report asking MACC to investigate the matter," he told reporters at the Putrajaya MACC headquarters.
When asked about what laws has Loke amended without consultation, Kamarudin said one of them was related to Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence.
"Previously, we (taxi drivers) had to go sit through a long course, before going to through practical training and examination.
"But now, with the introduction of ePSV courses, applicant no longer need to go through the long course. In fact, the fee imposed to obtain the licence also been reduced benefitting e-hailing drivers," he added.
Earlier, Kamarudin had handed over a letter to a representative from the Prime Minister's Office, seeking the Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's interference on the matter.
"In that letter, we requested the PM to have a meeting with us to discuss issues involving taxi drivers and the taxi industry.
"This is after Loke ignored our eighth letter to him, requesting for a meeting." he added.