Selangor water: Way to go MB Khalid

by Dr R@28

• The announcement by MB Khalid that SSG is to take over the Selangor water operations from Syabas must have sent shockwaves to Putrajaya. I was told by reliable sources that the AG and the PM office were in extremely busy today after the announcement by MB Khalid. In all their planning and political maneuvering they forgot about clause 32 of the concession agreement. Syabas has over the years talk about financial difficulties, inability to put in place to reduce NRW and inability to upgrade water treatment plants. Off late they went into a strategy of playing the politics of water shortage. All the excuses put forward by Syabas was documented and now being used to invoke clause 32 of the Concession Agreement.  That was a brilliant corporate strategy reminiscence of the famous “Sept 7^th 1981 London raid of Guthrie”

• While the game is far from over we expect the FG to intervene legally as well as using their influence in Selangor Palace. Tonight it is expected that the legal eagles are cracking their heads and to decide on the next course of action. Rumors has Syabas will either get Hafarizam or Syafee Abdullah to file a challenge in court after they received the notice from SSG. This battle is far from over. UMNO lifeline in Selangor is at stake here. If Syabas lost control of the operations many secrets will come to light. The many lies will make headlines.

• On the issue of Selangor water, my position is clear and consistent. The business of water should not be in the hands of the private sector or any individual for that matter. It should be in the hand of the state. On the issue of water, I backed Khalid all the way though he received no bouquet on many other issues. I am sure Khalid has a lot of things on its sleeves. The plan to invoke Clause 32 of the CA was not made at the 11^th hour. It was planned. Similarly I believe the SSG would have prepared themselves for any eventualities. I believe Khalid would be able to handle most BN challenge but will face problem in the Palace. The people must back this right decision.