Azhar's decision should be respected - MRT Corp

The resignation of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Corp CEO Datuk Wira Azhar Abdul Hamid following a fatal accident at one of its construction site that claimed three lives should be respected by all.

MRT Corp Director of Strategic Communications and Public Relations Amir Mahmood Razak also said that Azhar's action should be seen as a commitment to a sense of integrity and accountability.

“His decision should be respected because it is not easy one to make.

“This outcome also proves that Azhar is taking full responsibility of the incident,” Amir told Astro AWANI.

It also drew mixed responses from the public.

In a poll by conducted by Astro Awani on Wednesday, 57 per cent of readers said the move unreasonable.

Azhar tendered his resignation over the accident which occurred at the V-1 Kota Damansara area within the former Rubber Research Institute site near Kota Damansara.

A 300-tonne concrete span dislodged and fell at the worksite which resulted in the deaths of three Bangladeshi workers.

Amir added that Azhar was never forced to resign and that the decision was made voluntarily.

“He spoke to me earlier on his decision to resign so I am not surprised. I am confident he was not forced by any parties.”

Azhar’s move, according to Amir, is commendable and should be emulated by leaders, as quitting a post to take responsibility for a personal mistake or an organisation's failure is not the culture in Malaysia.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Azhar announced his resignation saying that that he has failed to ensure the safety of workers.

“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,” said Azhar, adding that he was extremely saddened by the pointless loss of lives which had resulted from the incident.

Azhar said he will remain as an observer as MRT Corp and the relevant authorities investigate and identify the cause of the incident.

"I hope all the weaknesses which are identified will be rectified," he said.

He added that MRT Corp director of stakeholder relations and land management Haris Fadzilah Hassan will assume the role of acting CEO until a successor is appointed by the government.

Early investigations at the site revealed that the contractor did not follow standard operating procedure on safety, which caused the deaths of the workers.

Meanwhile, Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar said MRT Corp and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOS) were given one week to present their reports on the incident.