Stop false accusations, Kok tells BN over water issue

Calling BN strategic communications team's statement irresponsible, Seputeh MP says it is BN-controlled media and MCA leaders who played blame game and politicised issue.

PETALING JAYA: Teresa Kok has slammed Barisan Nasional (BN) for making false allegations against her over the water cuts caused by maintenance work carried out by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).

Referring to a statement released by the BN strategic communications team yesterday, the Seputeh MP vehemently denied that she had blamed the federal government, nor made it a religious issue.

“I had released two statements on Dec 18 and Dec 19, and addressed the issue with an appeal to the minister in charge to give an order, as he could, to TNB to postpone the maintenance work, and I also blamed TNB itself over its unsatisfactory explanation.

“It is irresponsible of BN to imply I had made it a religious issue. Where in my statement did I say that? Also, what was wrong when I called on the minister to step in?” Kok said.

She also asked the BN to look at the media it controls and its component parties, especially MCA leaders, if they are looking for examples of those playing the blame game, and also on how the issue has been politicised.

On Dec 19, TNB announced its decision to go ahead with maintenance works at its Bukit Badong substation facility, which will affect three Sungai Selangor water treatment plants that supply water to 60% of residents in the Klang Valley.

“Is it therefore not true that the cause of water cuts was due to TNB’s preventive maintenance works?

“I maintain that TNB has made a flawed decision and should take the full blame for getting itself into a situation where postponement became unavoidable,” the DAP vice-chairperson said.

She also welcomed the statement by National Water Services Commission (SPAN) chairman Liang Teck Meng on Monday that no water companies will be allowed to carry out any more planned maintenance works a week before or after a major holiday celebration.

“His statement shows that SPAN, after having been involved in the earlier collective decision to allow TNB to proceed with maintenance works beginning Dec 19, has acknowledged the need to respect the consumers’ needs during festive seasons.

“Unfortunately, when the parties met on Oct 31 to decide on TNB maintenance works, such consideration was lacking.”

Some 3.9 million residents in the Klang Valley are affected by the water cuts, and may had taken to social media to criticise both TNB and the Selangor government.

Those celebrating Christmas are especially upset as regular water supply will be restored only on the eve (Saturday). -FMT