Water, sand and Khir could cost Najib in Selangor
SHAH ALAM: Former Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo is turning into a liability and an embarrassment to the federal government now that the ‘truth’ about his dealings is available to the public. Khir’s questionable decisions when he was MB came to light after the Selangor government declassified several documents on water concessions.
According to Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim’s political secretary Faekah Husin, the government’s lack of censure of Khir for his ‘ways’, especially in the water issue will be costly.
She said the federal government not only failed to assist Selangorians secure free water but also did not act against Khir who had given away water concessions to a crony company.
The water issue arose when Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) was allowed to raise water tariff without considering its effect on the people still grappling with the economic crisis.
She said the state BN government led by Khir had signed a water concession agreement with Syabas where the company was allowed to increase tariff every three years.
She said Khir’s agreement with Syabas allowed for the water concessionaire to raise tariff by 39% in year 2009, 25% in 2012 , 20% in 2015, 10% in 2018 and 5% in 2021.
“Khir should be embarrassed and ashamed of himself. How dare he talk about people first on any issue for that matter, be it water or sand.
“It’s because of his carelessness that Selangorians are unable to get the best water services and rates,” she said in a statement.
Possible legal action against Syabas
As a result of Khir’s irresponsible actions, the Pakatan Rakyat government was now forced to face an arrogant concessionaire who is brazen enough to make excessive demands on the state government’s move to takeover management of Selangor’s water resources.
Despite these setbacks, Selangor is constantly engaging the views of various quarters in relation to administration and policies, including avenues for (water) discounts and incentives.
“What is important is that the state government wants to ensure that the people directly benefit from its policies. We are still searching for the best way to overcome the situation with water in the state,” she said.
