Following reports that UMNO-linked tycoon Syed Mokhtar al-Bukhary’s MMC Corporation Bhd is mulling to take over water management in Johor, PAS vice president Salahuddin Ayub has called for measures to prevent what he described another “water torture” being repeated in the state.
“We hope that the documents (on the proposal to take over water concessionaires in Johor) can be publicised to be evaluated especially by the people of Johor and that these are not grouped under the Official Secrets Act,” he said.
Salahuddin said he hoped that the move would not lead to a similar episode such as what has taken place in Selangor, where the state government is battling with UMNO-linked Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (SYABAS) over a 'water crisis' which many believed was concocted to justify the construction of a new dam as well as tariff hike.
Under the agreement signed by SYABAS with the BN-ruled Selangor state government prior to 2008, the concessionaire is entitled to hike water tariff. The PR-led government has so far resisted such requests and attempted to de-privatise water management in the state.
Saying UMNO was behind the 'water crisis' in Selangor, Salahuddin hoped a similar episode would not take place in Johor should MMC be allowed to take over water assets.
“PAS will ensure Johor gets fair and reasonable agreement if there is privatisation of the state’s water assets,” said Salahuddin, who is tipped to contest in the state at the coming polls.
MMC managing director Husni Harun recently disclosed a joint-venture deal worth RM181.2 million to take over Johor’s water concessionaire Aliran Ihsan Resources Bhd (AIRB).
According to the deal, a special vehicle company will be formed with Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB), a wholly-owned company under the Minister of Finance Incorporated.
MMC has a stake of 62.82 percent in AIRB, the nation's third largest water treatment plant.
-Harakahdaily
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