Kidex: BN government should stop awarding lucrative concessions to elites

SHAH ALAM, 24 June: The State Government’s power to prevent the awarding of lucrative concessions to elites, cronies and the rentier class is very limited, especially for matters under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government.

The Coordinator for the People’s Land Coalition (TANAH), Shazni Munir, said that this is because the State Government is bound by the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.

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“The Federal Government, which is now administered by Barisan Nasional, should show political will by eliminating tolls because they have the ultimate power to set the terms and conditions in any concession agreement,” he said.

He said that communication and transportation, as well as public works and the supply of utilities is contained in the federal list, although any articles related to land is under the state list, while town and village planning is under a concurrent list.

He said that the Selangor Government is now seen as always supporting and trying its best to implement offers contained in the Pakatan Rakyat Manifesto at the federal level for the 13th General Election, and even at the state level.

“The Selangor Government’s determination to uphold the commitment to reduce toll rates gradually is proven when they used their advantage as shareholders in three highway concession companies in Selangor,” he said in a press statement.

However, he said that many of the offers in the Pakatan Rakyat Manifesto, at the federal level, cannot be implemented, including the elimination of tolls, because the State Government is bound by the central government’s authority.

“With that, the establishment of the Selangor Public Transport Council (MPAS) also proves the State Government’s integrity in efforts to encourage the use of public transport to preserve the environment and reduce carbon footprint,” he said.

For the full statement, click here.

NS


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