Shamsubahrin apologised today for unintentionally hurting the feelings of certain parties in his fight for the rights of taxi drivers.

“I apologise to SPAD and Syed Hamid for some of the things I have said and done,” he told reporters at the launch of the Big Blue 2GO e-ticketing application at KLCC.

Shamsubahrin said passion for the taxi industry had clouded his judgement and caused him to lash out at SPAD on various issues.

“I have overreacted and have learnt my lessons. This year, I would like to put everything behind and move forward.”

As for his legal action against SPAD, Shamsubahrin said he would not be taking further action against the commission.

“But I will still be taking legal action against ride-sharing services, Uber and Grab, and illegal taxi drivers.”

Syed Hamid, who launched the service, said SPAD had always been a “punching bag” for industry players, but he welcomed criticisms and suggestions to transform the industry.

“We have to learn to accept criticisms as we are in the job of satisfying the aspirations of the public.

“What we want to do is provide the best services for the people.”

Syed Hamid said all e-hailing services would be properly regulated after amendments were made to the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (PAD). As such, all such services could continue operating for the time being.

Shamsubahrin said he wished the SPAD chairman to remain and not resign as he had demanded previously.

“We need Syed Hamid as he knows the law. We don’t want a new chairman who doesn’t know the law.”

Asked why he had changed his mind about working with SPAD, Shamsubahrin said he had not changed his mind and would continue to fight for the taxi industry.

“What I was objecting to was SPAD’s inaction against Uber and Grab.

“I was wasting my time voicing out on the issue. It didn’t get any attention.”