PROJEK KERETA TERBANG TAK TELUS? INI PENJELASAN BOS AERODYNE
Minggu lalu, lLaporan Jawatankuasa Kira-kira Wang Negara (PAC) mendedahkan bahawa projek kereta terbang mempunyai banyak masalah.
Bukan itu sahaja, projek yang menjadi sebutan Menteri Pembangunan Usahawan, Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof juga sebenarnya menerima suntikan dana daripada kerajaan berjumlah RM20 juta menerusi Kumpulan Industri-Kerajaan bagi Teknologi Tinggi (MIGHT).
MIGHT dilapor meluluskan pelaburan tersebut kepada syarikat Aerodyne Ventures Sdn Bhd (AVSB). Justeru, ia nyata bercanggah dengan dakwaan sebelum ini yang menyatakan projek kereta terbang adalah inisiatif swasta.
PAC dalam satu kenyataan memberitahu Kementerian Hal Ehwal Ekonomi mengesahkan dana tersebut disalurkan oleh VTSB (VentureTech Sdn. Bhd.) yang merupakan anak syarikat milik penuh MIGHT kepada AVSB pada 1 November 2019.
Mohd Redzuan dikatakan mengumumkan projek itu terlalu awal tanpa sebarang perancangan teliti. Beliau juga didakwa tidak memaklumkannya kepada kabinet dan ia bukanlah satu projek nasional seperti yang digembar-gemburkan selama ini.
“Ketika kerajaan masih belum melaksanakan sebarang pematuhan piawaian kewangan, hak milik intelek, kepakaran dan kapasiti pembangunan kereta terbang, menteri itu dilihat mempromosikan AVSB secara terbuka sejak Februari lalu.
“Mohd Redzuan mendakwa syarikat itu menggunakan teknologi tempatan, sedangkan AVSB membangunkan prototaip di Jepun kerana ia mempunyai ekosistem dan kemudahan membina kereta terbang. Kementerian Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri (MITI) dan MIGHT langsung tidak dirujuk dalam menentukan hala tuju pembangunan mobiliti udara.
“Malah, tiada undang-undang sedia ada berkaitan kawal selia dan penggunaan kapal terbang di Malaysia,” jelas laporan PAC.
PENJELASAN BOS AERODYNE
Ini pula penjelasan daripada Pengasas dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Aerodyne, Kamarul A Muhamed dalam catatan di laman facebook peribadi beliau.
There is a simple explanation why as a country Malaysia have a long way to being a developed country. Why countries such Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore and Vietnam have leapfrogged well ahead.
Constant bickering and backstabbing, and politics being at the centre stage of everyday lives instead of focusing on value creation.
My PR team is advising me not to response to the news regarding the alleged public funds being used for “keretaterbang” as it is seemingly an attack directed at the Minister of MED (Ministry of Entrepreneur Development) and we are just caught in the middle because of our alledged association with MED.
Here’s just a short note to friends who are asking.
1. It is a irresponsible reporting which is the opposite of truth. I welcome audit as NOT A SINGLE CENT of public money was ever or will be used for UAM (Urban Air Mobility).
2. The development was even put on hold since August 2019 as Aerodyne is growing extremely rapidly around the world in our core drone-based business and 100% focus was put on our expansion. UAM is a long term journey and will NOT be mainstream until at least 2025. No reason for Aerodyne to focus on this now.
3. We did our first close of series B USD 30mil investment round recently which also include RM20 mil from Malaysian VentureTech (funds from which was wrongly accused to be used for the UAM). Other investors and potential are international investors from Indonesia, Korea, China and Japan. The investment ARE 100% intended for our drone business expansion ONLY. This news is public. Nothing new.
4. We have never approached MED for any assistance other than for the purpose of working on the framework and regulations of drones in Malaysia.
5. Aerodyne have grown to over 330 people in 25 countries around the world with very little help from the government. ZERO grant was ever taken from any government agency. We are very thankful but eventually refused a properly and independently evaluated and approved 2 million grant from MDEC. Why? We don’t need the help. I would rather the fund be used for other entrepreneurs that may need it. On the other hand, MDEC through GAIN program did play a big role in connecting the dots for us in our global expansion. 👍
6. When we first talk to MED and other agencies early in the year, it was all about giving back to the nation and helping to shape the future of the nation. Little did I know it will backfire.
7. PAC never invited me for a talk. Never asked a single question to me. I have no interests in Politics. The truth that many already know anyway will come out for others to see.
Am I bothered? Not really. I don’t lose any sleep over this. I am focused on making our company a global champion.
Do you know why Grab left Malaysia? Do you know why Malaysia do not have any Unicorn yet? If one day Aerodyne make Tokyo, Shenzhen or Silicon Valley our HQ, it will be because of the same exact nonsense.
