PKR MP calls for buyout of toll concessionaires to make roads free

(Bernama) – The Pakatan Harapan (PH) government should undertake the management buyouts (MBO) of highway toll concessionaires so that roads and highways are made free to benefit the people and not used for profiteering.

Subang MP Wong Chen said this and the revision of tolls to be announced next week would further lighten the people’s financial burden.

He said the MBOs could be undertaken in the next one or two years once the new government has consolidated its financial position, he told Bernama on Friday. 

“Whether we can afford to buy up all these tolls later and make them free is an issue of fiscal prudence and what the economic priority should be,” he told Bernama.

Wong said with the revision on toll rates, consumers should be paying less and “that’s at least a start” in lessening the people’s burden.

On whether there was a dire need to break up monopolies or cartels in certain sectors and allow for healthy competition, he said they could be de-regulated and ensure they were not making excessive profits.

“I think the approach is whether they are making too much money at the expense of the consumers,” he said.

Wong Chen also proposed that the government undertake the MBOs of government-linked companies (GLCs) which have been criticised for competing with private sector firms.

He said GLC managers should ensure that the companies chalk up better profits, which could then be channelled back to the federal government and be utilised to pare down national debt.

He said this could create a big class of owner-managers and in the process, level the playing field for private companies.

He also said it was best that politicians do not hold positions in GLCs, so that they are detached from direct government influence.