Loga Bala escapes censure for claim on KL rate hike

Deputy Federal Territories Minister Loga Bala Mohan will not face action for a statement that indicated a postponement of the upcoming increase in assessment charges for Kuala Lumpur properties.

Dewan Rakyat speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia (left) ruled today that there was no prima facie case as Loga Bala "did not intend to mislead the House" with his statement.

Neither did the speaker find Loga Bala's statement to have contradicted that of Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Mansor.

"It is just that the way it was delivered was different, and may have been wrongly interpreted. The deputy minister need not face the rights and privileges committee," Pandikar said.

On Nov 27, Loga Bala had said that the increased assessment charge would be postponed until March next year, to enable dialogues with property owners and to hear objections to the new rates.

However, the next day, Tengku Adnan told the media that the new charges would take effect in January 2014, but ratepayers could choose not to pay until March, pending community feedback.

Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut) had earlier argued that these statements were contradictory and that Loga Bala had misled the House.

'High on alcohol'

He was today backed by Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh) who read out a news report quoting Tengku Adnan.

Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan, right) objected, claiming it is against the Standing Order to consult outside sources like news reports.

Challenged by Kok, Lim and Abdullah Sani (PKR-Kuala Langat) to cite the Standing Order, he shouted: “You check it yourselves!", waving the Standing Order book.

Bung Moktar also accused Lim of being "high" on alcohol and suggested that a "breathalyser test" be conducted.

Lim then sought to refer Bung Moktar to the rights and privileges committee.

Pandikar said he had consulted both the Hansard and news reports, as well as sought information from Federal Territories Ministry officers.

"The fact is, the assessment rate  will go up but the quantum has not been finalised ...The final figure will be determined at the end of March 2014," he said.

As such, ratepayers have been given "leeway" and will not be penalised by Kuala Lumpur City Hall if they do not pay as yet.

"There is no confusion or ill-intention. I urge both sides not to politicise matters concerning the welfare of the people," said Pandikar.