http://dapmalaysia.org  

RTD and NRD should clear the air over the issue of whether MyKad holders still need to carry their driving license Media Statement by John Chung (Petaling Jaya, Monday):  The National Registration Department (NRD) and the Road Transport Department (RTD) should clear the air over the issue of whether MyKad holders still need to carry their driving license while driving following the latest incident of motorist, Chung King Keong who was summoned by RTD enforcement officers for not producing his driving license.  As this is not the first time such cases have occurred, where motorists are penalized for not carrying their driving license although MyKad is a valid document imbedded with a person’s driving license.   The confusion on the issue of the legality of MyKad as a valid driving license was compounded by the conflicting statements from RTD and NRD officers.   A Negri Sembilan RTD enforcement unit spokesman had asserted that motorists must produce their driving license during a traffic operation even if they carry their MyKad. However, a NRD officer had assured Chung that he need not accept the summons issued to him as the necessary data had been keyed into his MyKad.   Later, RTD director general Datuk Mohd Shahar Sidek was cited as saying that as far as MyKad is concerned, it must be accepted as a valid document.   If that is the case, i.e. MyKad is accepted as a valid driving document without the need for motorists to produce their driving license, all RTD enforcement officers must be instructed to accept MyKad especially since they have reading devices to detect the relevant data in MyKad.   This is in order to ensure uniformity in enforcement so that motorists are not unfairly penalized for not carrying their driving license when the production of MyKad itself would suffice if that is what the authorities claim.   Moreover, the unruly behaviour of the RTD officer who had kicked Chung when he refused to sign the summons is regrettable. RTD should ensure that all its enforcement personnel are disciplined when discharging their duties. (25/11/2002) * John Chung, DAP National Publicity Bureau Assistant Secretary