KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 10): MMC Gamuda KVMRT (T) Sdn Bhd said the joint venture will leave the issue of the termination of the Mass Rapid Transit Line 2 (MRT2) underground contract in "the Prime Minister's good hands".

In a statement today, MMC Gamuda said it welcomes the decision by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to review the cancellation of the MRT 2 underground Contract with the joint venture, which is a 50:50 joint venture between Gamuda Bhd and MMC Corp Bhd.

“MMC Gamuda therefore leaves the matter in the good hands of the Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir.

On the other hand, the joint venture company stressed that it remains committed to further discussion with MoF and to cooperate with MoF to reach an agreeable reduction of cost.

It hopes the Government would invite the company back to the negotiation table as part of the review process, said the statement. “MMC Gamuda remains committed to further discussion with MoF and to cooperate with MoF in reaching an agreeable reduction of cost.”

MMC Gamuda urged all stakeholders especially its staff, subcontractors and suppliers to remain calm, be patient and trust in the wisdom of the Prime Minister in his impending review process.

“We shall adopt an open book approach with the appointment of an international engineering consulting firm that possesses the necessary experience and track record in assessing tunnelling works around the world, and as such, be in the best position to re-examine where savings can be derived,” it said.

“Our request in return for the open-book approach is that our Intellectual Property (IP) rights and commercially sensitive information are duly respected as such, by the said reviewing consultant and all reviewing parties, during the review process. MMC Gamuda therefore leaves the matter in the good hands of Dr Mahathir,” it added.

Yesterday, Dr Mahathir was quoted by the local media saying that the Government is reviewing its decision to call for an international tender for MRT2 underground works.

The 93-year-old premier reportedly said this was because the termination would affect a workforce of 20,000 people.

“We are studying this carefully and reviewing this matter. It will be discussed,” he reportedly said after delivering the closing address at the Khazanah Megatrend Forum 2018.