Why AES & why 10 TIMES higher: Is it that BN has no other way left to MAKE MONEY?

MUCH has been written and debated in the media and in social network facebook on the implementation of the Automated Enforcement System (AES).

The Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders, specifically those from the MCA and Umno cronies, are for the AES because they stand to make billions of ringgit in fine collections yearly.

The people, particularly motorists, are crying foul, and not without basis, that the AES was introduced for generating revenue akin to fleecing the people.

The implementation of the AES must receive support only IF the intentions are good – that is to save lives. Of course it will help reduce fatal road accidents, but only to a certain extent.

For example, in Australia, it is about sincere enforcement to save lives, not about setting up traps to fine the people.

Another BN scam?

But here, it is obvious to all that the AES was implemented in bad faith, with the sole intention to generate revenue.

We all know that speed is not the only cause of road accidents and fatal crashes. Other causes include carelessness, drink-driving, ignoring traffic regulations, loss of concentration due to lack of sleep, poor driving skills arising from kopi lesen (driving licence obtained through bribes), to name a few.

If speed is the sole criteria for road crashes, why are there more deaths on non-expressways? This trend is observed at all Ops Sikap festival operations.

Here are three questions to back my argument:

Why must the AES enforcement be privatised to help cronies make money, instead of benefiting the government and people? Privatising is about making money, or else who would want to venture into it? So, clearly, the focus is on making profits.

If the intention is really about saving lives, why are there no clear signboards to warn motorists approaching dangerous stretches where the AES cameras are installed to slow down motorists, just like in Australia, a country with the lowest rate of accidents in the world? No money to make?

At 90kmh or 110kph speed limits on expressways, isn’t that too slow? In developed countries like the US and Germany, expressways have speed limits between 120kph and 160kph. Certain stretches have no speed limits. Why not in Malaysia? Again, no money to make?

Most Malaysian motorists do an average of 120kph and above. Alternatively, are you also implying that our expressways are not up to international standards, therefore we cannot be driving safely at, say 130kph?

No money to make?

Transport Minister Kong Cho Ha, amid mounting criticisms and objections from the people, appealed to Malaysians to give the AES a chance.

I would echo the sentiments of the people – you are just appealing for a chance to enrich your cronies.

And MCA president Chua Soi Lek today (Nov 9, 2012) slammed Pakatan Rakyat (PR) for politicising the AES, likening the roads to the Iraqi war zone for the death toll.

So, is Chua also implying the public displeasure as politicising the issue?

This is not about politics, my dear Soi Lek. It is about BN cronies given the opportunity to legally rob motorists.

Many arguments have been raised by the public and I reiterate on the need to display sincerity in wanting to implement the AES.

Proper warning signage, more practical speed limits and fair compound fine rates must be in place before AES can be acceptable.

Unfortunately, that would mean limited revenue for the crony companies, right?

Bulldozing enforcement is definitely not the way acceptable to Malaysians. It’s about good, honest and sincere governance. Not about politics or greed to enrich cronies.

MAILBAG