The Malaysian Insight

THE government has paid RM23 million in compensation to 965 former Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) workers, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

“We paid RM23 million in total to 965 (former) staff at the end of last year. Everyone received compensation, even those who had worked for just one year,” he told reporters in Putrajaya today.

“They got one month’s salary for every year of service, with a minimum of three months’ salary for those who worked less than three years.

“They have been given compensation and job guarantees. When has that been done before? They can ask the private sector.”

He said it is disappointing that some former SPAD employees attacked the ministry for allegedly failing to keep its promise.

Loke added that he made an “unprecedented” appeal to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad for the compensation to be approved.

“The claims (by some former SPAD employees) are not accurate. We are disappointed that they unfurled a banner at the SPAD building, complaining that we are not fulfilling our promise.

“Would they have dared to do this under the previous government? If they had done so, they wouldn’t even need to think about having a job.”

He called on the remaining 20% of former SPAD staff still unemployed to be patient, reiterating the ministry’s commitment to getting them new jobs.

“We hope we can resolve the issue within two weeks with the help of government-linked companies.

“We are talking to Khazanah Nasional Bhd, Malaysia Airlines and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd.

“Everyone affected will get a job. Despite the delay, we will keep the promise we have made.”

The staff’s woes began when Pakatan Harapan, shortly after taking over Putrajaya, announced on May 23 last year that SPAD would be disbanded.

On June 6, the commission was renamed the Land Public Transport Agency, or APAD, and placed under the Transport Ministry. Previously, SPAD was under the Prime Minister’s Department.

Two weeks ago, 132 former employees submitted a memorandum to Dr Mahathir, asking that he provide them with jobs.

They had said they were assured by Loke that they would get appointment letters by December 15, but the date passed without them receiving the said letters. – January 4, 2019.