Against toll hike
On 15 December, the government announced the new rates of toll, effective on 1 Jaunary 2007. This seems to us like a new year gift to mock the workers and consumers of Klang Valley.
After discussing with a few people from various organizations, we thought it would be better to organize a joint concerted response to this unfair toll hike.
On December 18, meeting was held in the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall and was attended by representatives of all parties and other organizations—among others: Syed Shahir (MTUC President), Teresa Kok (DAP), Lih Kang (Suaram), Diong (SCAH Youth), Arul (PSM), Dr Hatta and Salahuddin (PAS).
The meeting decided to form a coalition known as Gabungan Protes Kenaikan Tol (PROTEST), and MTUC President Syed Shahir elected as chairperson and Dr Hatta as secretary.
We agreed to prepare a memorandum for the PM and to send a delegation to Putrajaya on December 27. Our demands are:
- object to the toll increase;
- publicize all agreement of toll concessions; and
- oppose to subsidizing toll, instead oppose should buy back toll companies or terminate the concessions.
On December 27 evening, we would organize a public meeting with heavy weight speakers from all organizations.