There is an exception though.
Datuk Wira Azhar Abdul Hamid, the chief executive officer of Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp), has tendered his resignation over a fatal accident at a worksite in Kota Damansara.
“As of tomorrow, I am no longer the CEO,” Azhar told a press conference at the site today.
The Star Online quoted Azhar as saying that he had always been very strict over safety measures at MRT sites but such incidents had occurred over and over again.
“I have done my best, but I have evidently failed and therefore, will be handing over my duties.
“I was told that some security measures were not followed by the sub-contractors and if that really is the case, I will make sure MRT Corp never works with them again,” he was quoted as saying.
Azhar added that despite his resignation, he would see the case through and ensure that the families of the deceased are given justice.
Three workers were crushed by a 650-tonne concrete block which fell at the site about 8.30pm on Monday (Aug 18).
In a statement issued to the media, Azhar said: “As the head of MRT Corp, I am taking personal responsibility for the incident and this is the correct thing to do.”
“I have informed the chairman of MRT Corp Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa, of my decision.”
He said that he was extremely saddened by the pointless loss of lives which had resulted from the incident.
Azhar said MRT Corp and the relevant authorities will investigate and identify the cause of the incident.
“I hope all weaknesses which are identified will be rectified.”
Azhar was appointed MRT Corp CEO on Sept 1, 2011, following the federal government’s decision to set up the company to take over the ownership and development of the Klang Valley MRT project from Syarikat Prasarana Malaysia Bhd.
He is the former managing director of Sime Darby Berhad.
The statement said it was Azhar who introduced the concept of mutual agreement with owners whose land was affected by the MRT project.
“Mutual agreements signed with the owners allowed the land to not be compulsorily acquired by the federal government for the project, allowing for private land to co-exist with the MRT alignment.
“Besides solving a major land issue via this agreement, it also reduced the amount of compensation to be paid by the federal government for acquisition by about RM1.5 billion,” said the statement.
It also said Azhar had constantly stressed the need to improve safety in the construction industry and had personally strived to build mechanisms to achieve it.
This includes creating the Contractor’s Performance Assessment System (CONPAS) in which safety, health and environment are factors on which contractors are assessed. Those who breach procedures can be blacklisted.
The MRT project has been plagued with incidents lately. The common perception is that the project is inconveniencing the public for the time being although it is to make public transport more accessible.
Traffic on roads with the MRT project is notoriously bad, due to partial road closures to facilitate construction.
Recently, there were two cases of motorists cheating death after metal slabs landed on their cars which were passing through MRT project sites in Subang and Damansara.
Perhaps these three incidents, which resulted in the loss of three lives, are one too many for Azhar.
Maybe he has had enough of continuing mishaps happening under his watch.
He may have tried to advise his people on how to improve safety at the site, but for some reason, it went unheeded.
Whatever the case, it is a rare occurrence in Malaysia for a man of his repute to admit failure, accept responsibility and quit.
As clichéd as it may sound, he has indeed proved that “with great powers, comes great responsibilities”, and by letting that go, he has proved that he is a gentleman.
- The Ant Daily -
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