Residents affected by the two proposed highways in Selangor are questioning the state’s intention for including the highways in its study despite ongoing vocal objections.

Kinrara-Damansara Expressway (Kidex) and Damansara-Shah Alam Elevated Expressway (Dash) were included in the Selangor structural plan 2035, which was opened for public review yesterday until Jan 9, 2015.

“We would like to remind Pakatan Rakyat politicians that they ousted the previous MB over Kidex.

“Stop the charade and speak plainly. You are making the rakyat protest over and over again,” said residents in a joint statement from the two groups Say No to Kidex (SNTK) and Say No to Dash (SNTD).

“How many times do we need to tell you that we do not want the highways through our city and neighbourhoods?” the statement asked.

The resident groups’ spokespersons - SNTK committee member Mak Khuin Weng and SNTD’s Michelle Wong - said that the inclusion of other highways in the plan also shows a state bias towards highways, despite Pakatan Rakyat’s 2013 election promise against tolled roads.

The groups also rejected explanations by Bukit Gasing assemblyperson R Rajiv, who said that the inclusion of Kidex and Dash is just part of the public consultation process, and does not mean they are approved.

Rajiv, who was explaining to residents on Azmin’s behalf, had also said that this was to adhere to a proposal by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM).

Rajiv ( right ) also said that Azmin cannot be expected to have gone through all 700 pages of the structural plan.

This explanation was was also rejected by SNTK and SNTD, who said that the document had gone through various checks by state officers and they cannot have all been “equally clueless”.

“Even assuming that the list of highways was slipped in by some unscrupulous and dastardly LLM officer, should the MB not be outraged that he was betrayed by a member of his staff and order an inquiry into the whole case, while suspending the public objection exercise?” they queried.

The public review was also part of former MB Abdul Khalid Ibrahim’s plans and goes against discussions which they have had with Azmin, they said.

“Shouldn’t this exercise be put on hold until and after there is a firm decision on Kidex and the alignment of Dash and all pre-approval conditions are met?” they asked.

Azmin yesterday announced that the commencement of the objection period for the Selangor structural plan 2035, and promised consideration for all feedback.

“This is the best time to make objections. Under the relevant provisions, we will now be able to hear and review all objections,” he had told a press conference.

“The government is always open and committed to public participation in Selangor’s administration and development.”

He also assured that all six highways in the structural plan were proposed by LLM and are still under consideration.

The six highways listed include the West Coast Expressway, Serdang-Kinrara-Putrajaya Expressway (Skip), East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE), Dash, Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Expressway (Suke) and Kidex.

The final draft of the plan will be publicly displayed, Azmin said.

Additional reporting by Zulaikha Zulkiflli