Political convoy to the airport sparks fury amid rising fuel and safety concerns

 

THE CONFLICT in Iran shows no signs of abetting, and with it, the lingering fact that fuel is becoming more and more valuable everyday.

That said, the Malaysian government which has been subsidising petrol for the rakyat since day one has cautioned us against fuel wastage besides gearing up for an economic slowdown.

So, would it be fair to say that the recent motorcycle convoy to Sultan Ismail Petra Airport flew in the face of prudence?

Named the Konvoi & Lepak Mat Motor Bersama YB, the group aims to get closer to the younger generation while giving space to the motorcycle riders to talk in a recreational yet controlled environment.

But for our Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke, it was more than that.

According to Loke, the act was extremely irresponsible, adding that the airport area is a strategic zone where security must be maintained at all times to ensure smooth and uninterrupted passenger travel.

“If any congestion causes passengers to miss their flights, will the organisers be responsible for compensating their air tickets?” he inquired.

To ensure safety and the smooth operation of the airport, he stated that the Road Transport Department will work with the traffic police to set up roadblocks to inspect all motorcycles entering the airport area without exception, including any members of the Parliament who are riding a motorcycle.

Note that Melor State Legislative Assemblyman, Wan Rohimi Wan Daud is involved in the convoy and he has since replied to Anthony’s statement.

He pointed out that the convoy will be passing by the front of the airport, and not entering the area of operation as described by Loke.

According to him, the organisers already informed the management of Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in advance regarding the convoy’s movement to avoid any disruption.

But what do netizens in general think about this fuel-wasting endeavour?

Take it from Adam Mohd who stated that it is very weird that they do not want to make a convoy to the Lembah Sireh bus terminal instead.

Note that the bus terminal was famed in Malaysia for being rundown and outdated. For a better word, it is the poster child of the Kelantanese’s government’s failure. A photo speaks a thousand words.

“This is the only thing PAS can do. No idea to develop the state. That is why it is left behind,” said Krul.

Then there was Ubaidillah Harith Shahrin stating that the people who voted for PAS in Kelantan will later return to Shah Alam or Kajang.

“If PAS becomes the government, what will happen to Malaysia. Think about it,” said Tay Huat.

The response from Mohd Fairuz was equally fiery:

Few people wants to be associated with the organisation of the event too. Take for example, Kelantan Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan who said the convoy was not organised by the state government, but an individual initiative.

Others claimed that it was organised by Kelab Penyokong Kerajaan and the Kelantan PAS Youth Wing.

Regardless , we still think they could have made a more meaningful protest by assembling in a zoom meeting instead.— Focus Malaysia