Most of us would have heard the news about our SMRT trains being exported back to China because of ‘superficial’ hairline cracks.
Apparently, LTA says that it is of no concern. It tried to downplay the defect. It also mentioned that repair of the trains will take about 7 years and later on clarified that it will take between 3-7 years.
Interestingly, the news was first reported by foreign media and not by our mainstream media who is supposed to be the citizens first point ofinformation.
Either they (journalists) are incompetent to sniff out such infos or someone in charge is holding back information to cover up this mess.
Instead of taking those responsible over these purchases and do a full inquiry, it has decided to keep the matter unknown to the public and hush up these activities (train defects) in an attempt to cover up.
As these issues involves the life of millions of commuters, it is important that the public is informed of such matters. Afterall, Singaporeans have a stake in the transport system and billions of public funds were used to purchase these trains.
Our government is never known for its transparency. Where the late LKY would have taken out to dry those responsible over major mishaps, the current leadership has developed a system of shielding those who are responsible.
Without transparency and a functioning media, we are at the mercy of those who are in position to manipulate the people for its own benefit.
Source: Khan Osman Sulaiman
