The Pakatan Harapan government's plea for the rakyat to accept the proposed increase in water tariffs goes against the coalition's pledge that it is concerned about the people's plight, said former Selangor menteri besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim (above).
Taking to Facebook, Khalid said a good government would put the people's welfare first and not pander to corporate interests.
Khalid was commenting on a news report quoting Minister of Water, Land, and Natural Resources Dr Xavier Jayakumar asking the people to consider paying higher water rates as part of their responsibility and out of pity for the government.
According to the minister, this is because the cost of water utilities was too high and this needed government allocations. And despite the proposed increase, water tariffs in Malaysia were one of the lowest in Southeast Asia, he was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia.
"If the news is true, then it is shameful especially when the Harapan government is constantly preaching their 'people first slogan'," said Khalid.
Elaborating, he said the country did not need leaders who only talked but wanted those who were committed to ensuring the people's welfare was looked after.
"An honest government will put the people's interests first and not just please corporate figures. If politicians choose to act improperly, then why should the rakyat be the ones sacrificing?" he asked.
Jayakumar had said that water tariffs were expected to be increased this year with most state governments having agreed to it. -Mkini
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