Expressing gratitude for the successful completion of the LRT3 Shah Alam Line, Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah extended his appreciation to former premier Najib Abdul Razak and his successor Anwar Ibrahim, sharing an image of himself flanked by both leaders in a social media post.
The post on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page also noted that funding for the project was reduced during the Pakatan Harapan federal administration, when Lim Guan Eng was finance minister.
“When there was a change of government in 2018, the LRT3 project was delayed for more than 18 months, with an additional 19 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, until 2021.
“At that time, finance minister Lim of DAP, together with his adviser Tony Pua of DAP, reduced the investment cost for this project because it was allegedly a ‘mega’ project, despite not understanding that the LRT3 was built to meet the needs and requirements of the people.
“His Royal Highness wishes to emphasise that this is not a mega project for prestige, but a project for the interest and well-being of His Royal Highness’ people,” read the post.
Furthermore, the ruler said the size of each station was also reduced, the number of train carriages decreased, while five proposed stations along the route were also cancelled.
Lim, who is now DAP adviser, served as finance minister for 22 months under then premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad after Harapan ousted the Najib-led BN government.
However, Sultan Sharafuddin said when Anwar assumed the roles of prime minister and finance minister, he agreed to continue the project, reinstating the five cancelled stations and approving the construction of affordable housing around the stations and along the LRT3 line to further benefit the people.
The ruler said Anwar also instructed that there be no further obstacles from any parties related to the project.
Credits shared across administrations
Without mentioning names, Sultan Sharafuddin also cautioned against any party attempting to take advantage by claiming that the success of LRT3 is solely due to their efforts.
“In truth, this project is the result of continuous planning, commitment, and cooperation across multiple administrations for the benefit of the people of Selangor as a whole,” read the post.
According to the post, Sultan Sharafuddin spoke to Najib at an iftar gathering in 2015, and the then prime minister readily accepted the suggestion to construct a railway connecting Klang, Shah Alam, and Kuala Lumpur.
“This followed complaints and appeals contained in many letters received by His Royal Highness from housewives regarding their husbands frequently arriving home late after work due to severe traffic congestion on the Federal Highway in particular.
“At that time, Klang had only two bridges crossing the Klang River, worsening peak-hour congestion. As an immediate traffic mitigation measure, the administration of Najib abolished the Batu Tiga Toll Plaza and the Sungai Rasau Toll Plaza in 2018,” the statement added.
Sultan Sharafuddin hoped that the LRT3 infrastructure will become a catalyst for economic development, improve the people’s quality of life, and further strengthen connections between Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, and Klang as key engines of national growth.
The Selangor Royal Office’s post was also reposted on Najib’s Facebook page.
The LRT3 Shah Alam Line rolled out for public use last Sunday and will be free for one month. - Mkini
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