Members Of Parliament Agree To Postpone AES

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- Several members of parliament (MP) have agreed, at the urging of some parties, especially Umno Youth, that the implementation of the Automatic Enforcement System (AES) be postponed.

In fact, they are of the view that a comprehensive study be carried out before the system is implemented.

Kangar MP, Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, said the AES was implemented without obtaining the views of the people and road safety experts.

"I agree with the government's efforts to reduce road accidents nationwide but the installation of AES should be located at appropriate places," he told Bernama at Parliament building here Wednesday.

Yesterday, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin called on the government to postpone implementation of AES as there were too many weaknessess in its implementation plan.

Kinabatangan MP, Datuk Bung Moktar Radin, said the purpose of AES was to discipline road users but many did not know of its implementation.

"All of a sudden, they received summonses. The people are therefore, unhappy," said the Barisan Nasional Backbencher Club deputy chairman.

Pasir Mas MP Datuk Ibrahim Ali also welcomed the proposal to postpone AES and suggested a trial period for the system.

"I am proposing a six-month trial period as a process to educate the people and later, the Road Transport Department could put up a report on where the AES should be installed to effectively curb road accidents," he said.

Lenggong MP Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah however, said he supported the government's effort to reduce road accidents as the total number of accident cases in the country was among the highest in the world.

He said the system was needed as it was proven that road users liked to beat the red light and speed.

Kubang Kerian MP Salehuddin Ayub said AES should be postponed as it was not a solution to reduce road accidents but more of a burden to consumers.

"All parties should raise their voices on the issue to ensure AES meets its objectives to solve road accidents, and not make the motorist a victim of ineffective enforcement," he said.

-- BERNAMA