Water woes in Selangor.
And now Mentri Besar Azmin Ali is under mounting pressure - settle the problem amicably or step down!
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And now Mentri Besar Azmin Ali is under mounting pressure - settle the problem amicably or step down!
Most vocal is (similar to Dr Mahathir and Najib's case) non other the former mentri besar himself, Khalid Ibrahim, who said Azmin is not sincere in solving the problem.
Yesterday, Khalid had once again pushed for his successor to step down from his post, citing the latter’s failure to seal the state’s water restructuring deal.
According to Khalid, since Azmin took over the position earlier this year, he had on many occasions issued statements that were confusing, rhetoric, one-sided, and baseless, especially in the ones directed at certain quarters with vested interests, such as the federal government.
“I am sure many of those in the Klang Valley, especially in Selangor, are feeling disappointed with the state and its Menteri Besar’s behaviour that has shown no authority nor the commitment to solve the state’s water service industry.“If the Menteri Besar himself is aware of his personal limitations or any other restraints that are making it difficult for the Selangor water restructuring deal to be finalised, at a total cost not exceeding RM9.65 billion, then I reiterate the call I made during the Selangor state assembly before.“His sincerity in putting the public first will really show if he steps down now and allows the Selangor state assembly to find a replacement, a candidate who is really qualified and able to carry out this heavy responsibility,” said Khalid in a statement.
He added that Azmin had not only delayed the process of taking over four water concessionaires, but had also failed in outlining a detailed action plan, complete with concrete steps, to solve all issues related to the state’s water services.
“As a result, I was made to understand that all the officers who have worked hard all this while to complete the water restructuring process are now at a loss due to the lack of proper instructions from the Menteri Besar.“It is either he is really incompetent or he actually has an ulterior motive,” he said cynically.
Khalid said that Puncak Niaga Holdings Berhad’s (PNHB) move recently, releasing a statement saying that it had not rejected the possibility of cancelling the purchase agreement with Selangor Water Management Sdn Bhd, must be taken seriously.
He said that should this take place, the state government would have to face legal action by PNHB, which would attempt to retrieve the state’s outstanding debts, estimated to have reached RM4.97 billion on March 31 this year.
“It is not impossible that this PNHB threat may turn to into reality, considering the immunity enjoyed by Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Splash), another water concessionaire that has stubbornly rejected Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad’s offer.
“Although the Selangor Sultan himself has repeatedly reminded the state administrators to ensure that the water restructuring deal is finalised as soon as possible, without contradicting the main agreement’s spirit and theme, his reminder appears to have been ignored.”
In my opinion, rakyat Selangor just couldn't be bothered who leads the state anymore. The only thing that matters now is to see their taps running, and their other problems solved...