SHAH ALAM, 11 Nov: The state government will not oppose the development of road networks that benefit the people as long as it is done in an open and transparent manner.

This was the reaction by the Chief Minister, Mohamed Azmin Ali, when asked by reporters on the controversy of the Kinrara-Damansara Expressway (KIDEX) construction.

“This does not mean KIDEX only. All road construction in the state must prove that it is beneficial to the people,” he said.

Mohamed Azmin said this when met by reporters after the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) Subsidiary Companies’ Corporate Integrity Pledge Signing Ceremony at the Shah Alam Convention Centre today.

Mohamed Azmin said that he will take a different approach in dealing with the KIDEX controversy compared to the former Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

He said previously, there was no discussion between the Ministry of Public Works and the Selangor government regarding the construction of roads.

“During Khalid’s time, there were no meetings with the residents or stakeholders. Prior to this, there was also no discussion between the Ministry of Public Works and the state government.

“Instead, I will use a different approach and meet with the stakeholders because the matter of this expressway construction will affect the people. This refers to all roads, not just the KIDEX,” he said.

For the record, on November 15, 2013, Putrajaya signed the concession agreement with KIDEX Sdn Bhd to develop the 14.9 kilometre (km) expressway.

The agreement received protest from the residents, especially around Petaling Jaya, because they are afraid that the expressway, at an estimated cost of RM2.2 billion, will destroy the environment and cause property prices to plummet.

NS