‘STATE’S WATER ISSUE TOP PRIORITY’
MB says will discuss this with Dr M, Azmin
NEWLY minted Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari has pledged to seek immediate solutions to issues surrounding the restructuring of the water industry in the state. He said among issues that would be given priority by his administration was to resolve the longstanding water crisis.
“This (resolving the water issue) will be among the main focus of my discussion with the prime minister (Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad) and Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali (former Selangor MB).
“There may have been differences in opinions among the state and Federal Government before. But, this time (under Pakatan Harapan’s leadership), I am confident that we can seek solutions to this issue before the deadline of July 31.
“We will finalise (the restructuring of the water industry agreement) or, at the very least, have a decision on ways to resolve the water issue immediately — a process that has been long delayed,” he told members of the media after delivering his official acceptance speech at the MB’s office here.
Amirudin said other matters he would focus on were affordable and quality housing, healthcare services, public transportation, environmental sustainability and employment.
Selangor has been plagued by water supply disruptions since the state government embarked on a water industry restructuring exercise four years ago.
The most recent crisis occurred in March due to an explosion at the Sungai Selangor Phase 3 (SSP3) Water Treatment Plant. The incident left five people injured and some 2.5 million residents in the Klang Valley without water for almost a week while maintenance work was carried out.
The former Federal Government had given the Selangor government until July and to resolve the impasse over the Syarikat Pengeluar Air Sungai Selangor Sdn Bhd (SPLASH) stake acquisition. It was reported that if both parties failed to come to an agreement over the deal, Section 114 of the Water Services Industry Act (WSIA) 2006 would be invoked.
Former energy, green technology and water minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili had said that the SPLASH deal alone had delayed the restructuring exercise in the state.
Amirudin said he would finalise the state executive council portfolios by next week.
He said there might be a minor reshuffle in the line-up, following the appointment of Batu Tiga assemblyman Rodziah Ismail to the council.
“She (Rodziah) has not been assigned a portfolio. I will have to discuss with exco members. Looking at the scenario, there may be a minor reshuffle.
“Give me one week. I have to listen to all the briefings before having a meeting (on this matter) with exco members.”
On the remark of Ijok assemblyman Dr Idris Ahmad that he only had the support of Azmin, Amirudin said Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah had the power to decide on the appointment of a candidate.
He said the power was provided for in the Selangor State Constitution 1959 based on Article 51.
“We have retained this (way of administration) in the past. (However), it is best for me not to comment on the issue. I am focused on my duties and responsibilities as menteri besar.
“Besides, PKR president (and deputy prime minister) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail’s statement yesterday was clear. If we refer to that statement, there is no need to make such claims.”
On whether he had plans to meet Dr Idris, Amirudin said: “As MB, it is my duty to manage and take care of the wellbeing of all people in Selangor.
“I open my doors to state assemblymen and opposition representatives to discuss the state and people’s future.
“There is no restriction to meet anyone and, at the same time, there is nothing special in meeting any assemblyman.”
He said according to the office calendar, the state’s legislative assemblymen must be sworn in on June 26, adding that he would discuss the appointment of the speaker and deputy speaker soon.
On another matter, Amirudin said any decision related to the Football Association of Selangor (FAS) would be known next month.
“Regarding FAS, we shall wait till July. Once the change has been made, we will take action and announce our decision.”
Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah is set to take over the FAS presidency from Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal.