An MRT train is pictured on the Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line on December 16, 2016. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 — MMC-Gamuda hopes to be invited back to the negotiating table after Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the cancellation of its MRT2 underground contract will be reviewed.

It said it was committed to further discussions and cooperation with the Finance Ministry to reach an agreeable reduction of cost.

“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,” the firm said in a statement.

“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 the Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir,” it added.

On Sunday, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng announced the cancellation of MMC-Gamuda’s contract after they failed to reach an agreement to reduce the project’s cost.

He said the cancellation would shave RM5.2 billion off the total project cost of RM16.71 billion and that the underground works will be retendered, adding that MMC-Gamuda can also participate.

Yesterday, Dr Mahathir said the government will reconsider the termination of the contract, which had triggered fears that some 20,000 workers could lose their jobs.

MMC-Gamuda in the statement today also addressed the reaction of its employees over Lim’s announcement, pointing out that their reaction was “sincere and directly from their hearts”.

“Given the recent announcement of the termination of the MRT2 Underground Contract, we understand their reactions and are indeed empathetic of their situation,” the firm said.

“Nonetheless, we urge all stakeholders especially our staff, subcontractors and suppliers to remain calm, be patient and trust in the wisdom of our prime minister in his impending review process.”

Yesterday, an online petition was launched to urge the government to reconsider the cancellation of MMC-Gamuda’s contract and today, a public appeal video featuring the firm’s workers was shared online.