Handing over the control of water management in Kelantan to the federal government could be seen as an admission of 'defeat' and this is why the state government is refusing to do so, said National Economic Action Council (NEAC) executive director Mustapha Mohamed today.

He added that the state has been plagued by a protracted water crisis and the state government is worried that it would be seen as failing to solve the problem if control is passed to the federal government.

"In this matter, we asked the state government to give due consideration for the people's benefit," he was quoted as saying by national news agency Bernama .

Mustapha said the plan to take over water management in all the states in Peninsular Malaysia was a wise move to ensure uninterrupted, quality and adequate water supply to the people.

"This is not the first time the dilly-dally has happened, every good thing the federal government wants to do is opposed by the state government," he said, describing the state government of being "adamant".

Previously, the PAS-run Kelantan and Terengganu governments had opposed the federal government's plan to take over the powers of state governments in the management of water supply.

Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said water management in the state had improved after it received a RM600 million loan from the federal government last year.

He also said Kelantan had efficient officers to handle water supply.

In a letter to malaysiakini today, PAS acting president and Terengganu Menteri Besar Abdul Hadi Awang said water management in Terengganu and Kelantan has been corporatised and is running smoothly.

"Despite Kelantan and Terengganu being discriminated by the federal government which imposed a two percent interest on loans while other states get interest-free loans, the water management in Kelantan and Terengganu is being carried out efficiently," he added.

Problem-ridden states

On Sunday, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he could not see how the two states could exempt themselves from accepting the federal government's decision to take over the water management.

He added that this is because the two states do not have enough money and face more problems than other states.

Meanwhile, Mustapha said it was public knowledge that the Kelantan government faced problems to improve water supply services in the state.

The NEAC chief, who also helms Kelantan Umno, added that the solution for this, is to allow the federal government to assist.

He stressed that the federal government's move to seek the state government's consent to manage the water supply for the benefit of the people was not a political ploy but for public interests which also involved other states.

"With the federal government's takeover, God willing, the water woes can be overcome. This is for the people, not for anyone, not for politics," he said.

Mustapha said Kelantan Umno would embark on statewide ceramahs to inform the public about the federal government's good intentions.