PUTRAJAYA: Transportation Minister Anthony Loke has suggested that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general (DG) Datuk Rospiagus Taha be included in the special task force investigating alleged misconduct in the registration of classic number plates. Loke emphasized that the JPJ’s involvement is essential as the department possesses the necessary information and access to the alleged misconduct under investigation. He further clarified that Rospiagus, who was recently appointed as JPJ DG on June 19 and hence has no vested interest in the matter, should be a part of the task force. Loke made these remarks during a press conference after the 2023 DAP Congress.
Loke, who also serves as the DAP secretary-general, suggested Rospiagus’ involvement when questions were raised about the JPJ DG and the department’s inclusion in the special task force. The task force was established by Loke on Friday to investigate allegations of misconduct concerning the registration of classic vehicle number plates. This decision was made following the release of the JPJandora Papers by the Telegram Edisi Siasat, which claimed that JPJ officials had revived and sold classic registration numbers for substantial sums of money. The Telegram Edisi Siasat document included a 28-page list of alleged classic vehicle number plates that had been re-registered and sold, with Selangor, Perak, and Johor having the highest number of such cases.
Loke stressed that the JPJ’s involvement in the task force is crucial due to the department’s access to vital information and data related to these allegations. He argued that without the JPJ’s participation, it would be impossible to access such information. Loke pointed out that the JPJ DG is the appropriate person to be part of the task force, given his role and the information available within the department. He reiterated that Rospiagus had no association with the alleged misconduct under investigation, as these issues date back to 2016, predating his appointment as the JPJ DG.
Loke’s announcement of the special task force comprised of members from the Integrity Unit of the Transport Ministry came after the disclosure of the JPJandora Papers. These documents alleged that classic registration numbers were being fraudulently re-registered and sold by JPJ officials themselves. Such conduct was reportedly being orchestrated to generate significant profits. Loke addressed this matter during a post-Cabinet meeting and vowed to thoroughly investigate these claims.
The establishment of the task force aims to address the allegations of misconduct in the registration of classic vehicle number plates. The JPJ DG, Datuk Rospiagus Taha, has been recommended by Loke to be included in the task force due to his position and the department’s access to relevant information. Loke emphasized that without the JPJ’s involvement, vital information would be inaccessible, hindering the investigation into the alleged misconduct. The Telegram Edisi Siasat document, known as the JPJandora Papers, detailed the alleged re-registration and sale of classic vehicle number plates, providing a list of these numbers for various years and states, with Selangor, Perak, and Johor having the most cases.
As the Transport Minister, Loke highlighted the need for the JPJ’s full involvement in the special task force investigating the alleged misconduct related to classic number plates registration. The JPJ’s access to information and data related to the misconduct is considered crucial in order to make progress in the investigation. Loke confirmed that the JPJ DG, Rospiagus Taha, should be a member of the task force despite his recent appointment, as he has no personal interest in the matter being investigated. Loke expressed these views during a press conference held after the 2023 DAP Congress.
In response to concerns regarding the JPJ DG and the department’s involvement in the task force, Loke suggested that Rospiagus’ inclusion is necessary. The task force was established following the release of the JPJandora Papers, which implicated JPJ officials in the fraudulent re-registration and sale of classic vehicle number plates. The Telegram Edisi Siasat document provided detailed information on the alleged practice, including a list of re-registered number plates and their subsequent sale, with Selangor, Perak, and Johor having the highest number of cases.
Loke emphasized the importance of the JPJ’s participation in the special task force, citing their possession of relevant information, data, and other resources required for the investigation. Without the JPJ’s involvement, accessing crucial information would prove to be a challenge. During the press conference held after the 2023 DAP Congress, Loke, who serves as the DAP secretary-general, was asked to comment on the criticisms regarding the JPJ DG and the department’s inclusion in the task force.
On Friday, Loke announced the establishment of a special task force comprising members from the Integrity Unit of the Transport Ministry. The goal of this task force is to investigate alleged misconduct at the JPJ related to classic vehicle number plates’ registration. Loke’s decision to create the task force was influenced by the release of the JPJandora Papers, which revealed the fraudulent revival and sale of classic registration numbers by JPJ officials. The document contained a 28-page list that highlighted the allegedly re-registered number plates of classic vehicles, some of which were sold at high prices to individuals and companies.
The JPJ’s involvement in the special task force investigating the alleged misconduct in classic vehicle number plates’ registration was briefed by Loke, the Transport Minister. Loke stated that the JPJ’s collaboration is crucial since they possess the necessary information, data, and other relevant details required for the investigation of the alleged misconduct. He argued that without the JPJ’s participation, accessing vital information would be impossible. Loke made these comments during a press conference after the 2023 DAP Congress.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
