'We asked for permits, but they gave tyres'

Among the benefits for taxi drivers should Pakatan win Putrajaya is direct taxi permits for the drivers instead of private companies, the coalition said yesterday.

Sri Muda Taxi Drivers Association president S Manoharan in his speech during a gathering with cabbies yesterday also requested for medical cards, which would allow them to go to government hospitals, and that they should also receive Social Security Organisation (Socso) benefits.

“We hope that if Pakatan gets to Putrajaya, then they would implement all these... Unlike the current government, when we asked for permits, he gave tyres. We can buy tyres in the shops. Can we buy permits in a shop?’ asked Manoharan, to thunderous applause from the taxi drivers.

The mass gathering of taxi drivers with the Pakatan Rakyat leaders was held last night at the Petaling Jaya City Council Civic Hall (MBPJ), which garnered an overwhelming response from around 300 taxi drivers compared to last year’s turnout.

PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim (left), former Perak menteri besar Nizar Jamaluddin and state executive councilor Ronnie Liu were some of the opposition party leaders who spoke at the event last night.

A number of the taxi drivers’ leaders also delivered their speeches before handing over a resolution containing their demands to Liu.

At the gathering which started around 8.30pm, most of the taxi drivers seemed satisfied with the offers given by Pakatan and even cheered when Anwar promised yet again that individual permits will be given to the taxi drivers if Pakatan wins in the upcoming general elections.

Anwar, commenting on the long-standing permits issue, also said that giving permits to taxi drivers is not difficult as it does not involve serious discussions.

“It is not a difficult thing to be negotiated. These small issues were difficult for Umno, (they) couldn’t do it... Even the simplest of things couldn’t be afforded to defend. Najib, you have failed.”