KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has stressed on the need to eradicate the practice of soliciting bribes to guarantee a pass to obtain a driving license among driving schools across the country.
In a one minute video posted on his Facebook account earlier today, Loke did not mince his works as he said that driving schools that practice the 'pao' culture will be duly reprimanded and punished.
"Its no secret that I have been working together with the Malaysa Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) where if any driving schools are caught and involved in this culture of 'Pao' (soliciting bribes), I will not hesistate, there will no longer be a suspension for a month or two, but their license will be revoked.
"This has to be done as we must be fair to all, if not then some will say that this driving school is clean, but then the other driving school does 'pao', so many people go there because there is a guarantee of passing to obtain a driving license.
"People won't go to the driving school that doesn't 'pao' nor guarantee a pass," he said.
Loke made it clear that as the Transport Minister, he wants to effect positive changes that will benefit society by eradicating such unscrupulous practices.
"This is what I want to say, to send a clear message that I want to do things properly, the correct way. I don't know for how long I can be the Transport Minister. The last time it was for two years, now I don't know for how long.
"But as long as I am still the transport minister, I want to do something that really has a positive impact on the country and society, This is my commitment, this is my goal.
"So ladies and gentleman, I hope that we can help each other, not to victimise anyone, but inculcate a new culture in our society," he said, as the crowd in attendance applauded in agreement.