LRT mishap: Wee tells Teresa he was no longer minister when suit filed

 

A war of words has broken out between MCA president Wee Ka Siong and DAP MP Teresa Kok after the former had called for the government to settle a lawsuit filed by a victim of an LRT collision three years ago.

Kok reminded Wee that he was the transport minister at the time of the accident and thus, could have settled the matter during that period instead of prodding the present government over victim Florence Lee’s lawsuit.

In response, Wee said that Kok appeared to be ignorant of the facts and pointed out that firstly, Lee's lawsuit was filed after Wee’s term as minister had ended.

Secondly, Wee added, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd was not under the Transport Ministry’s jurisdiction.

"When the LRT collision happened on May 24, 2021, I rushed to the scene to offer help to the victims.

"There were about 18 months between the incident and my last day as transport minister on Nov 19, 2022, and Lee had yet to complete her loss assessment.

"During my tenure as the transport minister, Lee had yet to file her summon in court and it was only filed in December 2023, when the Madani government took power.

"In December 2023, I was no longer the minister. At this point (today), it has been 18 months since the Madani government came into power," Wee said in a rebuttal statement to Kok.

The MCA lawmaker questioned why the Seputeh MP was coming after him on the matter.

"Kok, have I questioned the current transport minister on this issue? I did not mention him at all. You can check my statement yesterday. Why are you so eager to defend your boss from the party?

"I have already mentioned that Prasarana and Rapid Rail are the Minister of Finance (Incorporated) companies under the Finance Ministry and in terms of their finances, the latter has the full jurisdiction.

"Do you understand? The Transport Ministry is just a regulator for train operation. I am only speaking up for the LRT crash victim, so why am I being attacked by a DAP leader?" he asked.

Wee reiterated his point that the matter could be settled out of court instead of waiting four more years until a trial begins.

"The claims are reasonable to me. Kok, is this still not humane for you?" he asked.

Kok outraged

Yesterday, Wee urged the government to “do the humane thing” and settle Lee's lawsuit saying that the latter should not be made to suffer another four years of legal bills while waiting for the case to start in 2028.

This prompted criticism from Kok, adding she was shocked and outraged.

"Has Wee forgotten that he was the transport minister at the time of the accident? Is Wee saying that he is not humane?

"Why did Wee not use his ministerial position, which would have been most effective, in offering to do the ‘most humane’ thing when he had the full authority and opportunity back then?" Kok asked.

The May 2021 train collision on the Kelana Jaya line left 213 injured, with 47 of them seriously wounded.

Taking Wee to task, Kok said Wee’s statement reeked of hypocrisy at best and was disingenuous at worst.

"His action now is akin to wanting to lock the stable door after the horses have bolted.

"Perhaps, the victim’s lawyers should make a representation to the authorities, which I’m certain would be looked at sympathetically," she added.

Amicable solution

In a response to Wee, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd said it had been “actively exploring a fair resolution” with those involved through its insurer Allianz General Insurance Company Bhd.

So far, it provided 90 individuals - passengers involved in the mishap - with financial assistance covering medical fees and counselling.

Prasarana also claimed that it had successfully settled claims amicably. - Mkini