Selangor’s water deal with Putrajaya to stay, says MB Azmin
(Malay Mail Online) – So as to ensure sufficient quality supply in the Pakatan Rakyat-led state in the future, Selangor Mentri Besar Azmin Ali said he will not revoke the controversial water deal his predecessor signed with the federal government days before being removed from office.
However, Azmin promised he will continue to press the federal government to disclose details of the agreement, something he has done since taking office almost a month ago as part of his pledge for accountability to Selangor voters.
“I am not going to revoke it. I want the exercise to be completed as soon as possible so the people can have enough water in the future,” Azmin, who replaced Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim as mentri besar, was quoted saying by The Star daily in a news report today.
This is the first time Azmin has made it clear that Selangor will not backpedal on the deal even as it continues to criticise the water restructuring deal.
The PKR deputy president who had been in Selangor MB for a month now told The Star that full disclosure of the agreement signed by his predecessor and Putrajaya was necessary to justify the possible impact of the deal on consumers.
“How do you expect me and the new administration to defend the decisions taken on the project if we cannot explain to the rakyat the terms and conditions, the tariff rates that will be applied and how it will affect them as consumers?” he was quoted asking.
Last Saturday Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili reportedly said that his ministry would not disclose the contents of the water deal, following legal advice from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).
“After advice from the AGC, we feel that it is not time to disclose the water deal.
“People already know (the contents) because it has been mentioned in the memorandum of understanding, Heads of Agreement and master agreement,” Ongkili reportedly said.
The minister added that a full disclosure needed an agreement from all stakeholders including state water concessionaires.
Azmin said he is in possession of the memorandum of understanding but cannot divulge details due to it being classified as official secret.
The MB also said that he has yet to receive any formal letter from Putrajaya acknowledging Ongkili’s statement on the said matter.
