KUALA LUMPUR: MMC Gamuda KVMRT (T) Sdn Bhd, a joint-venture between Gamuda Bhd and MMC Corp Bhd, has welcomed the decision by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to review the cancellation of the MRT2 Underground Contract.
In a statement today, MMC Gamuda said it remains committed to further discussion with the Finance Ministry towards reaching an agreeable cost reduction to the underground works of the Mass Rapid Transit Line 2 (MRT2).
It said the recent social media outpouring by MMC Gamuda staff over the Cabinet’s decision to terminate and re-tender MRT2 underground works, in the last 48 hours, was sincere and genuine.
"We urge all stakeholders, especially our staff, subcontractors and suppliers to remain calm, be patient and trust in the wisdom of our Prime Minister in this impending review," MMC Gamuda said.
"We hope that the Government would invite us back to the negotiating table as part of that review process," it added.
MMC Gamuda said it would adopt an open book approach with the appointment of an international engineering consulting firm that has the necessary experience and track record in assessing tunnelling works around the world, and as such, be in the best position to re-examine where savings can be derived.
"Our request in return for the open-book approach is that our Intellectual Property (IP) rights and commercially sensitive information are duly respected as such, by the said reviewing consultant and all reviewing parties, during this review process," it added.
Two days ago, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said in a statement that the government would re-tender the underground portion of the MRT2 project as it could not come to an agreement with MMC Gamuda over cost reductions.
In response, MMC Gamuda yesterday pointed out that a cancellation would affect 20,000 employees, more than 600 sub-contractors, including Bumiputera contractors.
There was also backlash to Lim’s announcement on social media, including from MMC Gamuda staff.
Late last night, Dr Mahathir when asked to comment on the decision, assured aggrieved parties that the government would re-consider the cancellation and re-tender of underground works at MRT2.