KULAI: After weeks of public sparring, Transport Minister Anthony Loke and caretaker Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi met in a public event where both stressed the need for professionalism and continued collaboration in serving the people.
Speaking at the launch of the Southern Shuttle service at the Kulai KTM station here, both leaders struck a conciliatory tone, saying political differences should not stand in the way of efforts to improve Johor’s public transport network and address congestion ahead of the launch of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link next year.
Loke, who is also DAP secretary general, said the Transport Ministry would continue to work closely with the Johor government regardless of the political climate, stressing that public service and development projects must remain a priority.
“Political issues can be resolved through political channels, but matters involving work, services and the responsibilities of the Transport Ministry and the Federal Government together with the state government will continue as usual,” he said in his speech during the event held on Tuesday (June 16).
Loke also reiterated Putrajaya’s support for Johor’s proposed Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (E-ART) system, saying the Federal Government understood the state government’s concerns over traffic congestion once the RTS Link begins operations.
He said discussions were still ongoing at the federal level on the most suitable financing mechanism for the project, adding that the government supported Johor’s aspiration to see the E-ART implemented as soon as possible.
He noted that several interim measures, including the Southern Shuttle service and expanded bus connectivity, were being introduced to ease traffic flow and encourage greater use of public transport.
Loke joked that many members of the media had attended the event expecting “drama” following the recent exchanges between the two leaders.
However, he stressed that government leaders must be mature enough to separate politics from administration, adding that cooperation between the Federal and state governments would continue in the interest of Johor’s development.
Meanwhile, Onn Hafiz said that despite what he described as an “extraordinary situation”, governments must remain professional in carrying out their responsibilities for the benefit of the people.
“Perhaps we differ on many matters. However, regardless of how big or small our positions may be, the responsibility of a leader remains the same – to work in the interests of the people and make their lives easier,” he said, adding that he had rearranged his schedule to attend the event despite receiving the invitation at short notice.
Onn Hafiz also said that the public would judge leaders based on the results they delivered rather than the number of projects they announced.
“The people do not judge who announces the most projects. They judge who delivers the best results for them,” he said.
