THE press conference by Prasarana chairman Tajuddin Abdul Rahman on the LRT collision was shocking.

It was extremely disappointing to say the least as it was devoid of the emotional and sensitive decorum required to reflect the gravity of such a tragic accident.

Many viewers were disgusted with the way the press conference was conducted as the video clips of his response have become viral.

It looked as if Tajuddin did not or could not grasp the seriousness of the situation and responded most callously in front of the cameras, which included the foreign press.

The possibility that it could be due to shallow aptitude or a case of poor attitude is frightening. Either way it was an embarrassment and quite disheartening to the public. Definitely there is a lot of damage control to be done!

The police must investigate this mishap and it must be beyond simply the non-compliance of standard operating procedure (SOP) in wearing the mask.

All elements of possible criminal offences must be explored. The police have their work cut out.

Priority must of course be given to establishing whether there was criminal intent or criminal negligence in the first place. Although initial statements are being tailored towards an accident, it is quite premature at this stage to assume anything before the police complete their investigations.

All such statements should not jump the gun so as to ensure professionalism in all the relevant inquiries are kept at the highest level. Only thorough and meticulous investigations can establish or eliminate any possibility.

These investigations will inevitably become part of the overall investigations of the task force.

Prasarana has to go into an overdrive of public relations with facts and figures specifically in the manner the system works, coupled with all the back-up technology with a specific focus on how and why this collision occurred. This will help to swiftly restore public trust and confidence in the whole organisation.

Any public statements on the tragic event must inspire the public and victims that the whole system is in good hands not only in the manner this tragedy is being handled but also for the future of this rail network.

These are trying times for the nation with the pandemic taking a turn for the worse and tragedies like this compound the situation further.

It requires astute professional handling. Incompetence and apathy has no place in such a tragedy. – May 26, 2021.

* G. Selva reads The Malaysian Insight.
 

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.