Batu Caves task force to be announced next week

The independent task force to oversee development surrounding the iconic Batu Caves temples would be announced next week, said Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

He told reporters after the exco meeting yesterday that the state cabinet have agreed to set up the committee of between five and seven members.

"Their names are still a secret as I need to approach those whom we consider suitable to ask for their consent," he added.

The task force was mooted following the temple's objections to the construction of a nearby condominium, fearing that it would block views of the scenic limestone hills where the temple is located.

He had said on Tuesday that the task force would consist of well-known lawyers, planners and industry figures.

State government to sue Utusan

Separately, he told the press conference that the state government is taking legal action against Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia for alleged defamatory remarks against him.

"The state government has decided that stern action needs to be taken against the paper and its writer Zaini Hassan because the article is mallicious, false and affects the menteri besar's good name," said Khalid ( left ).

Zaini, who is the paper's senior editor, had questioned the alleged sale of Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) assets in his column ‘Cuit' yesterday.

He had written, among others, that although the menteri besar is ethnic Malay, the state is under DAP's de facto rule.

In addition, he quoted unnamed PKNS sources that all of its assets would be sold, and not five buildings as previously alleged.

In response, Khalid and PKNS had maintained that the sale was merely a transfer of assets to one of PKNS' wholly-owned subsidiary, Private Real Estate Company (PREC).

Khalid said lawyers have been instructed to send a letter of demand to Zaini and Utusan , while PKNS will follow suit.

"Although we respect the freedom of the press, the media cannot abuse that freedom to report news that is false and libelous," he said.

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