SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: The State Government will fully leave it to an independent body as a medium to determine the amount to be paid to the four water concessionaires if negotiations are still deadlocked.
The Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, said that the decision was made in the interest of all parties seeing that the price demanded by the concessionaires are in conflict with the previous offer by the state government.
He said that discussions are still on-going and the decision has been made so that Selangor’s transparency in managing water is felt by the people.
“In my opinion, if the Selangor Water Supply Company Sdn Bhd’s (SYABAS) price is still different than that of the state, we do suggest for it to be done by an independent intermediary.
“If the people ask me why Selangor is paying more than that, we can say that it was well judged. If the intermediary says there is no need to pay, then there is no need,” he said when met after inaugurating the Selangor Government Innovation Day 2013 celebration here at the Silver Jubilee Hall today.
Regarding the central government’s stand to use the law if the issue is deadlocked, Abdul Khalid said that the solution is better when it involves two parties; the state government and the ministry.
“We will continue to protect the water supply and provide clean water if the ministry agrees. Compensation packages will be discussed later,” he said.
Meanwhile, while commenting on the issue of the Backbenchers Club (BBC), which said that he allegedly rejected the proposal for the development of the people, Abdul Khalid said that a meeting has been held and the outline for the Budget 2014 will be submitted to them tomorrow.
“On Friday (15 November), we will pass the outline of the Budget and on Tuesday (19 November) we will table it during the State Legislative Assembly session,” he said.
At the event, he also presented incentives worth RM200,000 to the Gombak and Petaling District and Land Offices for the highest collection category.
The Gombak District and Land Office led with current land tax collection of 95.5 percent and quit rent arrears of 104.2 percent. Meanwhile, the Petaling District and Land Office won for the 2012 land premium category with the highest collection amounting to RM318 million.
The Selangor State Secretary Innovation Award was won by the Shah Alam City Council, which took home a trophy, a certificate and a cheque worth RM20,000. Meanwhile, the Selangor Chief Minister Innovation Award was received by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council, which took home a trophy, a certificate and a cheque worth RM30,000.