Calling Putrajaya ‘big bully’, exco says Selangor won't cooperate on ECRL

 

State executive councillors from Selangor and Negeri Sembilan have criticised the Transport Ministry for insisting on the northern alignment of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).

Selangor executive councillor Teng Chang Khim (above) went as far as calling Putrajaya a “bully” and said the state government will not help acquire land for the megaproject.

“Selangor will not acquire the land for the federal government if it insists on the BN-era northern alignment for ECRL.

“The federal government has behaved like a big bully for unilaterally making the decision after failing to convince the state government of the northern alignment,” Teng said in a Facebook post.

State governments have jurisdiction over their land.

Teng was responding to Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong who earlier said the ministry intends to proceed with the ECRL despite Selangor’s opposition to the northern alignment.

The minister had regretted Selangor's continued opposition to the project despite his ministry having met with state agencies 37 times over the past nine months to resolve their concerns.

Wee stressed that issues raised by Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah have also been addressed.

Malaysiakini has contacted the Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari’s office for comment.

Skipping Negeri Sembilan

Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan executive councillor Teo Kok Seong accused Wee of “discriminating” against his state.

The northern alignment skips Negeri Sembilan unlike the southern alignment, which traverses through it.

“This move to return to the original ECRL alignment as proposed by the BN administration is meant to exclude Negeri Sembilan.

“And it is a move that discriminates against the Negeri Sembilan people. This announcement places political differences above national interest...” Teo said in a statement.

Teo Kok Seong

He urged Putrajaya to reconsider its decision.

Teo holds the Urban Wellbeing, Housing, Local Government and New Villages portfolio.

'Unjustifiable and fishy'

Meanwhile, Teng said Selangor had already finished “preliminary work” to acquire land for the southern alignment.

The investment, industry and commerce, small and medium enterprises executive councillor lambasted Putrajaya for wasting time.

He also questioned Wee’s insistence on the northern alignment.

“The insistence on the northern alignment and the hurriedness of the ministry are unjustifiable and obviously fishy,” Teng said.

Wee held a press conference today outlining the merits of the latest alignment of the ECRL project, which he dubbed “ECRL 3.0”.

Not only would it cost less despite being 25km longer, but it would also carry more cargo and passengers.

It is expected to have a smaller negative impact on local communities and the environment. - Mkini