THE public and social media users should have a good grasp of the difference between these two political entities — a political party and the government. Be apolitical for once and stop linking virtually everything to politics.
One should not be simply labelled as “macai” or “dedak” if he commends the government of the day.
Synonymous with the political philosophy called “the social contract”, coined by Rousseau et al, the government is tasked with maintaining social order and controlling socio-economy while faced with scarcity.
Hence, it is only normal and right that a government, equipped with monetary powers, decides to invest in infrastructure projects, particularly rail transport, to enhance the country’s public transport.
Monday’s launch of the mass rapid transit (MRT) is tangible proof that the government is concerned about the problems pertaining to public transport faced by the people since the era of national industrialisation.
This is caused by a lack of coverage, connectivity and interchangeability of public transport (excluding motorways) during the previous administration. In short, bus and rail systems are not extensive and inclusive.
The government has greatly improved public transport through the extension of two separate light rail transit lines (Kelana Jaya and Sri Petaling), which benefited commuters in populated areas like Subang Jaya and Puchong.
This project also benefits me tremendously as it saves me from getting stuck in traffic congestion on the Damansara-Puchong Highway to get to the LRT station. It used to take me about 30 minutes. Now, it takes me only five minutes to get to the new Lembah Subang (and Ara Damansara) station.
With the nearest MRT station only about 15 minutes from my house, I can opt to take the MRT to commute to Kuala Lumpur.
A densely populated Shah Alam, which was made a capital nearly 40 years ago, still does not have an efficient and reliable public transport.
Luckily, Shah Alam folks would have to wait only another three years for the completion of the Bandar Utama-Klang LRT line.
The government has always ensured that the rail and bus companies manage public transport responsibly. The trains and stations operated by Rapid KL are well maintained.
Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, owned by MOF Incorporated, uses its revenues from fares prudently by purchasing new trains and buses to provide comfort and convenience to passengers. In some countries, the public transport is in poor condition because old vehicles are used.
I urge you to head to the nearest MRT station and experience a world-class public transportation system. The trains use state-of-the-art technology and the stations are even better than airports.
I suggest that the public open their eyes wider and see for themselves the transformation of public transportation system in Malaysia, spearheaded by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, which took only about six years to complete.
The people should give credit to the government where credit is due. The government is not a political party, but an administrative entity responsible for the people’s welfare.
Supporting the government does not equate to supporting Umno. Najib, as the head of government, is the prime minister of my country and I give him my full support and respect.
ADDIN AIMAN, Kuala Lumpur.