The Selangor government is insistent that Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Ku can compel water concessionaires to agree to the state government's water industry restructuring plan despite the minister's assertion that he does not have the power to do so.
Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim yesterday dismissed Chin's explanation that as minister, he could only use his power to take over the water supply from concessionaires during an emergency.
"There is no clause which says that in the Water Services Industry Act (WSIA) 2006," he told a press conference after chairing the state executive council meeting here.
He said Chin's statement showed that he had no confidence in his power as a minister.
"As a federal minister in charge of water issues, he has full power to ensure concessionaires seek a holistic solution to the restructuring plan as stated in section 191(5) of the WSIA. The minister has power on the basis of public interests to resolve this problem by instructing the companies to cooperate with the state government for the restructuring plan."
Khalid said Chin's inaction was contrary to the original goal and spirit of the establishment of WSIA to find a comprehensive or holistic solution to water services.
"The minister may have forgotten that water service is not merely a commercial business activity. It is a business activity involving public services and which public interests should take precedence."
On his intention to sue Chin, Khalid said he was still in a reconciliatory mood but if the impasse continued, the state would have reason for a judicial review.
Chin could not be contacted for comments. On Tuesday, he had told reporters he could only use his power to take over water supply from the concessionaires during an emergency, such as a critical water shortage.--NST
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