DPM: Change of Selangor MB may jeopardise water restructure project

MUAR: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pix) today expressed concern that a change in the menteri besar of Selangor may jeopardise the restructure of the state's water industry which is at the stage of conclusion.
He said if Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid was replaced, the question would arise as to whether the negotiations on the matter with the federal government would continue or be called off by the state.
Calling off the negotiations would undermine the adequate supply of water to the people, not only in Selangor but also in the Klang Valley, he said at an Aidilfitri reception for the media at his residence here.
Also present was Muhyiddin's wife, Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman.
"The people of Selangor should ask whether a change of menteri besar will jeopardise the contract agreed upon following negotiations with the Selangor government. It is a big question mark," said Muhyiddin, who is the chairman of the Special Cabinet Committee on Selangor Water Issues.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has decided to have Abdul Khalid replaced by party president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, but Abdul Khalid is insisting on completing his term as the menteri besar.
Muhyiddin said the federal government was monitoring the developments in Selangor closely because the people wanted political stability and the federal government did not want any disruption of the Langat 2 water supply project.
He said it was hoped that the cordial relations established by Abdul Khalid with the federal government would be maintained.
He also said that the proposed change of menteri besar raised confusion among the people as to the direction the opposition Pakatan Rakyat was taking in the state.
"What will happen next? Khalid has the support of PAS but not his own party (PKR)," he said.
Muhyiddin said there seemed to be a contradiction as the change of menteri besar was said to be the desire of Pakatan Rakyat but PAS leaders seemed to have a differing opinion. – Bernama