Kuala Lumpur: The government's approach of appointing experts and professionals, rather than political leaders, to head public transport agencies and companies should continue, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He stressed that experienced and qualified individuals leading public transport agencies were crucial to ensuring more professional and transparent management, rather than being determined by political interests.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke stated, "My stance is that there should be no political appointments in public transport operators. It must be led by professionals." He emphasized the positive impact of professional leadership, noting that significant changes have occurred when professionals and experienced figures are appointed to lead organizations. He cited Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) as evidence of improved performance and service under professional management.
The Malaysia MADANI Intellectual Forum Series 6, held at Menara Prasarana, featured a discussion on 'Transport for the People: Balancing Affordability, Quality, and Sustainability of Public Transport'. The forum was chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and included panellists such as Prasarana Malaysia Berhad Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, and Universiti Putra Malaysia Vice-Chancellor, Datuk Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah.
Loke highlighted the improved performance of the national public transport system, attributing it to continuous efforts to upgrade trains and facilities across all lines, driven by a professional and experienced management team. He compared this to Singapore's transport system, which, despite being highly regarded, also faces technical issues.
Mohd Azharuddin noted that Prasarana was progressing positively in terms of passenger numbers, operational reliability, and station facility performance. He mentioned that passenger numbers have significantly increased from around 681,000 daily in 2022 to approximately 1.31 million people per day in 2025, following various efforts to restore the situation during the pandemic.