S’gor MB challenged to explain proposed sale of PKNS assets

(Bernama) – Yet another Barisan Nasional (BN) leader has challenged Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim to explain the proposed sale of five assets of the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) valued at RM321 million by the PKR-led state government.

Puteri Umno chief Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said today Abdul Khalid should explain the rationale for the proposed sale and its impact on bumiputera entrepreneurs operating businesses at those premises.

The five assets are the Menara PKNS in Petaling Jaya, the Shah Alam Convention Centre (SACC) Mall in Shah Alam, the PKNS Complex in Shah Alam, the PKNS Complex in Bangi and Wisma Yakin in Jalan Masjid India here.

“Can the Selangor government give an assurance that the potential owners of the five assets would ensure the welfare of the entrepreneurs?” she asked in a statement.

Rosnah, who is deputy health minister, was commenting on the controversy over the proposed sale of the assets by the Selangor government which is feared would be a loss to the people of the state, particularly the bumiputeras.

She said Abdul Khalid, as a former corporate figure, should be more mature and enhance development of the state without subjecting the people to injustice.

“Tan Sri Abdul Khalid cannot assume that the Selangor state administration is a business which is concerned only with profit and development without considering the welfare of the people.

“Is the sale of the five assets the best solution? Why was the decision (to sell) made now? Is PKNS facing a financial problem? These are questions demanding answers,” she said.

Rosnah said PKNS should be increasing its holdings and not reduce them through sale.

Selangor Umno Liaison Committee deputy chairman Datuk Seri Noh Omar had also questioned the proposed sale of the PKNS assets.