SHAH ALAM, 15 Apr: The restructuring of the water industry needs a long time to solve because it requires a number of important processes.
The Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, said that the process involves negotiations, involving companies listed in the stock market.
He said that the State Government will have to compromise and give time to the involved companies to settle their internal matters.
“For example, Puncak Niaga required 21 days to hold an extraordinary meeting to receive approval from the company in the stock market.
“So there are times where we have to respect others because this discussion involves dealings in the stock market.
“This is expected to be settled in two to three more months, and this is not long,” he told reporters at the State Assembly lobby.
He was responding to allegations that the State Government has appeared to have failed in efforts to acquire the water industry in Selangor, which was voiced since a few years ago.
Meanwhile, commenting on the proposal to hold a special assembly session, Abdul Khalid said that the move is the State Government’s platform to share views for the success of the programme to restructure the water industry with other representatives of the people.
“The agreement has been made, but they want to know if the agreement is reasonable and they can offer suggestions to improve, wherever possible.
“This discussion is to safeguard the interests of the state so that the cost does not go up, there is transparency in tender procedures, as well as determining the appropriate individual to take care of the Langat 2 Project and our water industry,” he added.
Earlier, during a question and answer session, Abdul Khalid expressed the State Government’s willingness to ask the State Assembly to hold a special session to discuss the solution to the water industry in Selangor.
However, he said, the special session can only he held after all negotiations with the involved parties is successfully finalised.
