Democratic Action Party National Deputy Organizing Secretary Lee Cheng Sim issued a statement on June 22, 2025, criticizing MCA Vice President Liu Ya Qiang's comments regarding the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) shuttle train as a 'paragon of attacking just for the sake of attacking,' fully displaying his ignorance of basic facts.
'KLIA's operations are all undertaken by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad and do not involve public funds.'
Lee Cheng Sim pointed out that KLIA is operated by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). MAHB was a company formerly listed on the Malaysian stock exchange, and until its delisting on February 25, 2025, was regulated under the Companies Act and the Securities Commission Malaysia. It was required to submit regular financial reports and hold shareholders' meetings, with all operational expenditure and financial data being public information.
'As a senior leader of MCA—which has held the Transport Ministry portfolio for several terms—Liu Ya Qiang astonishingly lacks even the most basic information-gathering skills, unaware that MAHB's operating expenses are unrelated to the government, yet still makes bold, unsubstantiated claims. This is not only shocking but also exposes his ignorance.'
Lee Cheng Sim emphasized that the airport train, which has been in operation since 1998, had a service lifespan of 25 years and was due to retire in 2023. The procurement and construction of a new system would take several years, and plans should have been initiated as early as 2020. However, then-Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong failed to act, missing the opportunity to make necessary preparations, which led to a two-year suspension of train services.
'In contrast, after Loke Siew Fook reassumed leadership of the Transport Ministry, he immediately took steps to address the issue and has been actively working to restore airport train services, displaying the professionalism and responsibility expected of the role.'
He questioned whose responsibility it was that the airport train service was suspended for two years. Now, MCA leaders are attempting to shift the blame and make baseless accusations against the current government, which is utterly laughable.
Lee Cheng Sim advised Liu Ya Qiang to do his homework before trying to hold the government accountable and to practice the 'plain speaking' principle he preaches. 'If you can't even grasp basic common knowledge, it only exposes your emptiness and superficiality.'