The PH government, the former prime minister argued, had in fact denied LTAT yearly profits which could have amounted to billions of ringgit in the long run.

This was after PH decided to reimburse LTAT, which had initially paid RM555 million to take over the concessions for the Automated Enforcement System (AES) for driving offences.

PH then rebranded AES to the Automated Awareness Safety System (Awas).

Under the system, those who drive over the speed limit and run the red light will be hauled to court, instead of being issued a compound.

They would, however, risk a fine of up to RM2,000 if convicted.

Subsequently, Najib said, PH abolished discounts and exemptions for Awas summonses. More cameras were also added under the new system.

And in 2018 alone, summonses amounting to some RM169 million were issued, Najib said.

On Monday, Loke told the Dewan Rakyat that he had saved LTAT after suggesting for it to be reimbursed.

He said his Cabinet colleague, Mohamad Sabu (PH-Kota Raja), then the defence minister, had agreed with the suggestion.

Loke had also said that it was Najib, who was the prime minister at the time, who had proposed that LTAT take over AES from concessionaires Beta Tegap Sdn Bhd and ATES Sdn Bhd for RM555 million.

However, Najib explained that although the concessions were officially completed in 2011, the AES project had been awarded to the private sector before he became the prime minister.

“(Yet) you want to claim you are a hero for saving LTAT and veterans?”