PSM moots no-confidence vote against Selangor MB

 

Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) has suggested that Selangor lawmakers oust Amirudin Shari as menteri besar should he fail to annul the degazettement of the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve (KLNFR).

In a statement today, PSM environment and climate crisis bureau head Dr Darren Ong Chung Lee said Amirudin had disrespected the unanimous resolution by the Selangor legislative assembly in November last year to protect the forest.

He said the quiet decision to do so in May, and revealed only three months later, showed a lack of transparency, accountability, and concern over the climate crisis and violates the rights of indigenous people.

The decision also rendered the public hearing on the matter in September last year into a "farce" because the objections raised were ignored in favour of the business lobby, said Ong.

"Surely there is a more capable menteri besar candidate among the state lawmakers," he added.

 Meanwhile, Ong urged top Pakatan Harapan leaders to demand that the Selangor government reverse its decision.

"If it fails, then it has lost all moral ground to criticise excessive logging and mining activities approved by states run by PAS and Umno," he said.

On Monday, the Selangor legislative assembly was informed that the state executive council had in May decided to award little-known firm Gabungan Indah Sdn Bhd the rights to develop 54 percent of the KLNFR.

Stunned lawyers from both sides of the floor criticised the government but exco spokesperson Hee Loy Sian insisted that all procedures were adhered to and the project - a mixed commercial and residential development - was necessary for long-term considerations.

This was despite several lawmakers arguing in the state assembly that Selangor had many other places for developers, therefore there was no justification to molest a forest reserve.

The state government's defensive narrative was that the lost gazetted area in KLNFR will be "replaced" in Sungai Panjang, Broga, and Hulu Selangor. - Mkini