The banner says it all - 'Jatuhkan Samy Sebelum MRR2 Jatuh'. The demonstration, which was held under the cracks of the infamous Middle Ring Road 2, calls for the exit of the works minister.

The protestors criticised the government's poor handling of the MRR2 flyover controversy in Kepong, about 20 minutes north of Kuala Lumpur.

Placards and banners were unfurled at the protest demanding that Works Minister S Samy Vellu step down. The situation was subdued with the absence of any boisterous chants.

There were about 20 protestors at the scene, who held their demonstration under the watchful eyes of some 40 uniformed police personnel.

The 15-minute protest, which ended at about 3pm, was led by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) information chief Tian Chua.

Minutes after unfurling their banners, the protestors were told to disperse by the police. No untoward incidents were reported.

No transparency

PKR deputy Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar said they wanted to air their disappointment with the government for failing to reveal the full report on the cracks found on the support beams of the flyover.

The problematic portion of MRR2 was ordered to be closed by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi earlier this month to facilitate repair works, causing traffic chaos in the area.

The same portion of MRR2 was closed for three months from Aug 9, 2004 after cracks appeared on 31 out of the 33 support beams. Following this, four of the six lanes were open to traffic.

The cabinet also engaged British consultants Halcrow Group to investigate the cause of the cracks and provide solutions. The company singled out design flaws and improper anchorage of crossbeams on the concrete columns as the cause.

Tian, when met, demanded that Halcrow's report be made public.

PKR supreme council member Badrul Amin Bahron, who lives 50m away from the flyover, said the government should take action against those responsible for the flaws.

In a related development, DAP deputy chairperson Dr Tan Seng Giaw said the authorities should set a definitive time-frame for the remedial works to be completed.