Premesh Chandran, co-founder of Asia Mobility Technologies Sdn Bhd (Asia Mobiliti), a startup embroiled in controversy over its selection to oversee a Selangor transport project, has asserted that he would have questioned the deal himself had he still been in the media.
Drawing from his experience as the former CEO of Malaysiakini, Chandran expressed empathy with the inquiries directed towards Asia Mobiliti. He acknowledged that legitimate concerns surround the company's selection process, including queries regarding its merit-based selection and past performance track record.
The selection of Asia Mobiliti, along with Badanbas Coach Sdn Bhd, to conduct a nine-month proof of concept for a transit project in the Klang Valley, has sparked debates over potential preferential treatment and conflicts of interest. Particularly scrutinized was the appointment of M Ramachandran, CEO of Asia Mobiliti and the husband of Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, prompting calls for an investigation into the matter.
While Yeoh has deferred to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to probe her husband's company's appointment, Chandran urged the public to focus on the facts surrounding Asia Mobiliti's selection rather than solely on Ramachandran's familial ties. He emphasized the company's capabilities and track record in addressing transport challenges, underscoring that they were entering the seventh month of project implementation since their appointment in October.
Chandran criticized what he perceived as an undue emphasis on personal connections over professional competence. He lamented that critics seemed more concerned with marital affiliations than with evaluating Asia Mobiliti's ability to execute the project effectively. He questioned the logic behind prioritizing personal relationships over the company's demonstrated expertise and adherence to due process in obtaining their license.
In reaffirming Asia Mobiliti's qualifications for the project, Chandran highlighted the company's proven expertise and emphasized that their involvement was secured through proper channels. He stressed that Asia Mobiliti, alongside Badanbas Coach Sdn Bhd, was committed to fulfilling their responsibilities in executing the transit project.
As the controversy surrounding Asia Mobiliti persists, Chandran's remarks underscore the complexities of navigating public scrutiny and the importance of prioritizing transparency and accountability in public procurement processes.
Source: Link
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