Recently, former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew called the Myanmar leaders (generals) dumb. Could the dumber ones be here? According to the Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis, there is an urgent need for a new jetty at Tioman Island which according to him would result in better services and prevent untoward incident. (Star October 19,2007)
Is the Minister having the view from the wrong end of the teacup?
Perhaps the Minister would like to be informed that people had died from a ferry tragedy and not from a collapsed jetty. As of yesterday, the death count from the Tioman Island ferry tragedy is six and one passenger is still listed as missing. At this stage, what is important is for the government and relevant authorities to first slap criminal charges on the ferry operator for their omissions (at the same time check on the others) and haul up all those who had shricked from their responsibility in ensuring that the ferries plying Tioman Island are not only sea worthy but importantly has all the necessary licenses and has complied with all relevant requirement.
What matters most and importantly now is to ensure safe and sea worthy ferries, and not the construction of a new jetty.
Norman Fernandez
Is the Minister having the view from the wrong end of the teacup?
Perhaps the Minister would like to be informed that people had died from a ferry tragedy and not from a collapsed jetty. As of yesterday, the death count from the Tioman Island ferry tragedy is six and one passenger is still listed as missing. At this stage, what is important is for the government and relevant authorities to first slap criminal charges on the ferry operator for their omissions (at the same time check on the others) and haul up all those who had shricked from their responsibility in ensuring that the ferries plying Tioman Island are not only sea worthy but importantly has all the necessary licenses and has complied with all relevant requirement.
What matters most and importantly now is to ensure safe and sea worthy ferries, and not the construction of a new jetty.
Norman Fernandez
