Pm Any Probe Into Minister S Husband S Firm Must Be Transparent

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said any probe into a transport project recently awarded by the Selangor government should be transparent and the authorities should provide an explanation.
He said if there was any report against Asia Mobility Technologies Sdn Bhd (Asia Mobiliti), the probe should be conducted like a “normal case”.
“On that matter, leave it to the authorities. If there is a report, they should be transparent in their investigations,” he said.
Asia Mobiliti was one of two companies selected for the Selangor Mobility demand-responsive transit (DRT) service project. Critics have alleged abuse of process in the selection.
“If there is a report, there should be an investigation, and there should be an explanation.
“It should be treated as a normal case that needs to be investigated,” Anwar said after launching the Global Forum on Islamic Economics and Finance in Kuala Lumpur today.
His remarks today came after MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said there was no issue with the project being awarded to the firm that has Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh’s husband as its CEO.
Legal action against online campaign
Yesterday, it was reported that Asia Mobiliti would take legal action against claims of impropriety in the procurement process and clarified that its selection as one of two firms for Selangor's DRT service was done through a public process nearly a year ago.
In a recent statement, the company’s board of directors said it is facing an online campaign by unidentified parties raising questions about the process through which Asia Mobiliti was appointed.
Last Monday, Selangor Investment, Trade and Mobility Committee chairperson Ng Sze Han stated that Asia Mobiliti was one of two companies selected for the state’s DRT service.
Asia Mobiliti co-founder Premesh Chandran, also a Malaysiakini director and former CEO, defended the firm’s role yesterday after questions arose over potential preferential treatment since CEO Ramachandran Muniandy is married to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
Asia Mobiliti co-founders Premesh Chandran (left) and Ramachandran MuniandyIn a statement yesterday, the company highlighted its global and regional recognition since its co-founding in 2018 by Premesh and Ramachandran. 
These include winning the Newton Ungku Omar Fund Grand Challenge in 2019, being a semifinalist in Toyota Mobility Foundation's 2020 Challenge and X-Pitch 2021 and representing Malaysia at the Entrepreneurship World Cup Global Finals 2022.
Asia Mobiliti also emerged as the winner of the Carsome Mobility Lab accelerator programme, Southeast Asia's first auto ecosystem-focused accelerator.
The statement emphasised the company’s credentials and achievements, likely aiming to address concerns over its selection for the Selangor DRT service.
Subsidy rationalisation
Meanwhile, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister has assured that the government has taken adequate “measures” to prevent the industry from taking advantage of the impending diesel subsidy cut but did not provide details.
When asked if the government plans to float diesel prices once the targeted subsidy initiative is implemented, Anwar deferred to Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan or Transport Minister Anthony Loke for further announcements.
Asked about restaurant operators’ concerns that the increase in transportation costs would be passed on to consumers, Anwar said the government has taken steps to address the issue, as reported.
As part of the government’s move towards targeted subsidies, diesel vehicle owners in Peninsular Malaysia from the B40 and M40 income groups will be able to apply for subsidies under the Budi Madani Subsidy Aid Programme (Budi) starting today.
Further information is expected from the relevant ministries and agencies overseeing the initiative's implementation. - Mkini

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