KUALA LUMPUR: Umno is disappointed that 1,000 workers have lost their jobs since the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project was suspended on July 3.
“We ask those workers to be patient. This is so unprofessional of Umno, because they are damaging the livelihoods of those workers and Malaysians involved in the project,” said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today.
“Is this the justice and humanitarian agenda that were promised by Pakatan Harapan (PH)?”
He acknowledged that the government’s efforts to negotiate with the Chinese government to reduce cost was commendable.
But, he added that the government must not overlook the humanitarian aspects, especially the fate of the foreign workers who were fired and had to leave the country.
Ismail also quoted Channel News Asia on the negative impact of the suspension of the project.
“The main contractor, China Communications Construction Company Ltd, has already sent many of its workers home to save cost. We hope the project will not be cancelled like the High-Speed Rail project,” he said.
Ismail he hoped that the negotiations would end soon so that the affected workers could be absorbed back into the project.
He urged the government not to victimise the workers and their families.
“Why doesn’t the PH government show some sympathy for the workers and the people of the East Coast? ECRL can have such a positive impact on the people there and help the region be on par with the more developed West Coast,” he said.
“Umno hopes the PH government will not punish the people of Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan just because they voted for the opposition.”