GEORGE TOWN — PKR criticised Permatang Pauh MP Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan for proposing that funds for Penang’s RM17.3 billion Mutiara Line LRT project be diverted to upgrade the East-West Highway following a fatal bus crash in Gerik.
His fellow lawmaker questioned why the PAS leader would oppose a major public transport initiative meant to benefit his own state.
Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung said while the highway required periodic upgrades and tighter enforcement for heavy vehicles, these needs should not come at the cost of other key development projects.
He said special funds should instead be channelled to the Works Ministry, and urged both the state and district Public Works Departments (JKR) to take immediate steps to upgrade high-risk roads in a comprehensive and ongoing manner.
“I am puzzled why a Penang MP is willing to reject a public transport project that benefits his own state,” Lee said in a statement.
“Using a tragedy to attack unrelated projects is insensitive to the victims, their families and those who need sustainable infrastructure. The public deserves accurate, fact-based information—not confusing political narratives.”
Fawwaz made the proposal in a June 10 statement issued as Penang PAS information chief.
He called for the LRT allocation to be delayed and redirected towards the East-West Highway, which he said required a major upgrade following a tragic crash in Gerik that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students.
His remarks were also criticised by DAP figures, with Youth chief Woo Kah Leong warning that no political party should exploit the incident while families are still in mourning.
Woo said the focus should instead be on long-term preventative measures and strengthening enforcement.
Seri Delima assemblywoman Connie Tan also voiced her disappointment, saying the suggestion went against the aspirations of Penangites who have long called for improved public transport.
She added that Fawwaz’s statement revealed a misunderstanding of regional development, arguing that the LRT project and East-West Highway serve different functions, are located in different regions, and are funded through separate mechanisms.
“As an MP from Penang, Mohamad Fawwaz should understand the Penangites’ need for a more efficient transportation system,” she said.
“His statement does not offer solutions and only disrupts state development. This is clearly a form of political manipulation that does not benefit the public.”
Lee echoed Tan’s comments, saying Fawwaz’s remarks were misleading and reflected a poor grasp of financial governance.
He pointed out that the Mutiara Line is part of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), which took years to develop and is aimed at reducing traffic congestion. The East-West Highway, meanwhile, falls under the Works Ministry and is located outside Penang.
“These two matters are entirely unrelated—in terms of location, ministry involved and allocation. It is irresponsible to conflate them and use the tragedy as a political weapon.
“I believe both public transport development and road safety are important, and neither should come at the expense of the other.
“Both must be implemented concurrently. But for those addicted to politicising such issues—even if it offends victims’ families—it seems the priorities are different,” Lee added. — June 13, 2025