We Need Consensus in Decision-Making in the My Rapid Transit project (MRT)

It has now been just over six months since MRT Corporation (MRT Corp) has been established, and I can honestly say that I am pleased with the progress of the nation’s largest public infrastructure project during this relatively short period of time.

There is a FEELING that things are moving, that the projects meant to improve our socio-economic well-being are taking shape and being implemented. The recently awarded the tunnelling package worth RM8.2 billion to MMC-Gamuda JV was obviously one of the most anticipated news as it is the project’s single largest package for the construction of the Sungai Buloh-Kajang line. The tunnelling job was awarded sooner than expected and this clearly exemplifies the administration’s commitment to ensure the smooth implementation of the MRT project. It was rather surprising though that the market did not quite react to this news as reflected in the movement of the Gamuda share price.

I don’t envy the position MRT Corp is in. In fact, I am sure that the past six months have been very challenging. Imagine the incredible amount of pressure of handling the biggest infrastructure project in the country and the land acquisition issue affecting landowners in hotspots, particularly Jalan Sultan, Jalan Inai and Jalan Bukit Bintang.  These are major issues that need mutual trust and consensus to address quickly and effectively.

When I first became acquainted with the MRT issue, the landowners in these areas were faced with compulsory land acquisition to make way for the MRT project. The best way to manage these highly sensitive issues is definitely not through the force of law, but out-of-the-box, rakyat-friendly solutions. I also believe that any decision arrived at should be made through the general consensus by all concerned stakeholders. Though this sounds quite simple enough, the process usually requires a great deal of understanding of the issue and above all, mutual trust. All concerned parties should be given their say on a particular raised issue and the solution to the issue should be based on the one that satisfies the concerned group the most.

In the case of Jalan Sultan, months were spent listening to views and specific solutions were tailored to address their concerns by offering a mutually acceptable agreement to all affected parties. From my understanding, the mutual agreement provides a win-win solution for both MRT Corp and the landowners and promotes co-existence in Jalan Sultan. No Acquisition, No Demolition, Heritage Preserved says the Advertisement. To date, it has been reported that 19 out of 23 lot owners in Jalan Sultan have agreed to pursue the mutual agreement. In fact, MRT Corp has signed a POA with the owner of six lots of land in Jalan Sultan on 29 February 2012 following successful negotiation between both parties. I understand that lawyers representing the remaining 13 lot owners are currently negotiating detailed terms for the mutual agreement.

Naturally, there is bound to be some objections from a few. Again, my reading of news reports tell me that only owners of two lots in Jalan Sultan are not in favour of the mutual agreement. But the few have to bear this in mind – your decision affects the greater majority. In this case, the two lot owners’ decision greatly affects 6 million city dwellers who are waiting anxiously for an integrated, reliable and efficient public transportation network. Me included!

Sure, it all sounds easy as all we need to do is decide on the solution that most agree on. But in reality, apart from the directly-concerned parties, there are also two other parties that exist: the silent majority and the ‘amplifiers’. A distortion of a message usually happens when the ‘amplifiers’ try to influence the silent majority. Indeed, I see the present gridlock in Jalan Sultan has caused by this particular group who has forced their personal opinions on the silent majority, projecting them, not the impacted landowners, as the main concerned parties.

I feel that the effective way to deal with this situation is to educate, engage and empower the silent majority. Let them understand the importance of their involvement in the issue. Let it be known that the rakyat needs the MRT. 

I am an eternal optimist, my glass is always half full. I am confident that at the end of the day, with integrity and honesty guiding our actions, we can achieve a shared consensus geared towards a common goal - making the MRT a reality for the majority of the rakyat who need it.