LTA is to be blamed for allowing SMRT to operate commercial outlets within 300m radius which was not permitted under the original regulation when MRT was first introduced in the 80's. This has resulted SMRT to spend more time on profit making thru' these outlets and grossly neglected the the maintenance.
Yes. And why? Because SMRT is owned by Temasek. And who owns Temasek? None other than Ho Ching. It was she who appointed Saw Phaik Hwa and asked that she focuses on developing the retail business of the rentable space in MRT to the neglect of the core rail business. Saw PH herself said at the press conference to announce her appointment as CEO SMRT that she was brought in "to drive trains". So if it was Ho Ching's edict to Saw PH to pay all attention on retail commerce, who in LTA or Ministry of Transport would dare stop SMRT?
The Committee of Inquiry had called many many witnesses to the stand but it left out the most important one of all. The one that single-handedly isresponsible for the MRT fiasco and yet was given immunity and in fact, there was not even a mention about her role. I guess even losing billions in Temasek investments she was not call to account, what's a few train disruptions?
