FORMER prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad should be thankful to Datuk Seri Najib Razak as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) national project had become a reality during his administration in 2011, said Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi.
The UMNO Supreme Council member said this in response to a recent comment by Dr Mahathir who, alongside his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali and several friends, had decided to test out the MRT on the third day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“Dr Mahathir said when riding the MRT he felt as if he was in a developed country and for that he should be thankful to Bossku,” said Puad, referring to Najib.
Taking a pot shot at the former premier, Puad said the nonagenarian seemed to have forgotten that he had postponed or cancelled a number of transport system projects during his 22-month stint as prime minister under the previous Pakatan Harapan administration.
“Dr Mahathir is right when he said ‘Malays forget easily’. He forgot he was the one who temporarily canceled and temporarily postponed the MRT 3, Pan Borneo, ECRL and High-Speed Rail (HSR) projects,” Puad said.
“He delayed Malaysia from becoming a developed country quickly due to his political vendetta and did not want Najib to leave behind a legacy.
“Fortunately, Dr Mahathir managed to rule the country for only 22 months.”
In his social media post, Mahathir had also praised the facilities provided to consumers, adding that all stations throughout the journey are spacious and come with lifts and escalators.
“I believe this rail facility will be welcomed by the people if they overlook the high cost of the project. Congratulations to the Sungai Buloh – Putrajaya MRT management team,” said Mahathir who shared the experience on his Facebook page.
The MRT project began its construction during Najib’s administration era and its inaugural launch was on 8 July 2011.
The public service route runs from Kwasa Damansara to Putrajaya Sentral.
With 10 interchange stations and links throughout the 17-station path, the facility helps two million users from Kwasa Damansara to Putrajaya. – April 26, 2023
