Opposition just doing its job, says Azmin on the spat with S’gor MB

THE Opposition is merely doing its part to reprimand the state government for shortcomings, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali in responding to his spat with Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

He said the Perikatan Nasional representatives were giving their views and feedback on strategies to improve the state’s trade and investment performance.

“We have done our best to raise issues faced by the people, such as the (rising) cost of living, unemployment, housing as well as larger issues like trade and investments,” he told a press conference on Wednesday (March 6).

During the sitting which started last Tuesday (Feb 27), issues related to flood, drainage system, road conditions and rubbish collection were also discussed with input from both sides, added the Bersatu’s Hulu Kelang assemblyman.

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In the morning session of the proceeding, Azmin was engaged in a spat with his successor Amirudin, who lost his cool after being pressed on matters related to PKNS and Air Selangor.

Defending himself, Azmin said the questions were to address serious issues in connection with the two state subsidiaries.

“The sukuk issued by PKNS and Air Selangor in our view must be invested in development expenditure because this will generate greater income and is more sustainable for the two companies.

“From what we see from PKNS is that it has taken the easy way out by selling lands instead of being active in developing property,” he claimed.

Azmin, who was a Bersatu exco member, said he had proved that the percentage of earnings of PKNS in the property development sector was only at 45% while the rest was from the sale of lands.

“My view is the state government should be more responsible in ensuring that any joint ventures undertaken with the private sector must be based on the sharing of gross development value and not profits.

“This is because the approach that is being taken now is not sufficient to raise cash flow,” he added.

The Selangor state assembly sitting was scheduled to end on March 11.