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Pro-Najib portal wants Sosma used on toll operators
Published:  Oct 13, 2015 2:00 PM
Updated: 6:34 AM

A pro-government portal today demanded that the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) be used against toll operators after it was announced yesterday that toll rates for 18 highways will be increased by 100 percent.

MyKMU , which has in recent months staunchly defended Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak against calls for his resignation, said toll operators were guilty of "economic sabotage".

"It would be appropriate if action is taken under Sosma 2012 for economic sabotage and sparking public anger at the government.

"The government cannot compromise with old cronies who try to sabotage the country's economy and government of the day.

"Just seize all the highways and nationalise them. Arrest all the concessionaires who are insistent on defending their lopsided deals," it said.

In a break from its usual pro-government stance, the portal was also mildly critical of Putrajaya.

"The government must reconsider its decision to allow toll concessionaires to decide on the toll hike as it is not only senseless but can also affect the rakyat's support for the government," it said.

Dr Mahathir blamed

However, in a separate report, MyKMU placed most of the blame on former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, stating that many of the lopsided concessions were signed during his time.

"Mahathir had ensured in the past that when the agreements were signed, the concessionaires would never suffer losses.

"If the rakyat did not bear the costs, then the government would bear the costs using public funds, there would be no room for losses (for the companies)," it said.

The portal's call for Sosma to be used on toll operators came amid accusation of abuse after the government arrested 1MDB critics under the anti-terrorism law.

Former Batu Kawan Umno vice-chief Khairuddin Abu Hassan and his lawyer Matthias Chang were arrested under the anti-terrorism law on grounds of "sabotaging the nation".

They had lodged police reports in several countries concerning bank accounts linked to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and 1MDB.

Najib is embroiled in a controversy over the deposits of RM2.6 billion in his personal bank accounts.

He had denied taking public funds for personal gain while his supporters claim the money is a political donation.

Related reports

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Toll hike suicidal, says Pakatan Harapan

Toll hike - translation blunder in BN election manifesto

Pua: Toll hikes due to failed privatisation policies

Double blow - after GST, rakyat hit by toll hikes

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