Baru Bian: Decision on tolls abolition to be known two to three months

The final outcome on tolls abolition will be known in two to three months, said Works Minister Baru Bian today.

He said negotiations were ongoing and was confident a solution that is amenable to all parties would be arrived at.

“Right now we are still negotiating, and looking for a sensible solution that will be beneficial to all stakeholders and the new government.

“It is best the ultimate decision is accepted by all stakeholders. I believe this will be achieved,” he said after officiating the event ‘Man-Hours Without Lost Time Injury (LTI)’ at Bandar Mahkota Cheras, Lebuhraya EKVE today.

Baru said he had received several suggestions on abolition of tolls, but not all were from the stakeholders. “But I am certain there will be a decision in two or three months from now,” he said.

He was asked about the latest in the government's negotiations with the various toll concessionaires.

In the run up to the 14th general election on May 9, prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said if Harapan came to power, it would abolish tolls nationwide in stages, based on the respective concessionaires' contracts.

Meanwhile, Baru said all the stakeholders understand the limitations of the current economic situation, which was the reason Harapan said the government could not abolish the tolls in its first 100 days in office as the coalition had originally promised.

“They (the concessionaires) are most understanding. I hope we can reach an agreement, and achieve the best final outcome,” he said.

Spoken to Anwar on pol-sec

On an unrelated matter, Baru said he has spoken to PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim over the allegation of corruption against the minister's political secretary.

“Anwar has called me (to inquire) and I said we will issue a statement that the party will let the MACC investigate the officer, if any wrongdoing is found,” he said when asked by the media.

He said he has explained all that he knew of the matter to Anwar, and that they would “ leave it (to MACC) for the moment”, and left without answering further questions on the matter.

Last week PKR Youth coordinator Ahmad Syukri Che Ab Razak lodged a report with the MACC against Baru's political secretary, who is running for a place on the PKR central leadership council.

The individual is said to have offered contracts worth RM20,000 and allocations amounting to at least RM300,000 at a meeting with local leaders on Sept 1. - Mkini