BN’s Batang Kali state assemblyperson Mohd Isa Abu Kasim has accused the Selangor government of discrimination over its decision to implement a minimum wage policy for state-owned firms .

This, he said, is because the policy does not extend to civil servants in the state, according to a Sinar Harian report today.

“I hope the menteri besar can explain. Don’t just say things on a whim without knowing how to manage it,” Mohd Isa was quoted as saying.

“How can (the opposition) manage the country when they can’t even manage the public servants in their own state?”

NONE Responding, Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim (left) told the daily that it would not be possible to take up Mohd Isa’s suggestion, because the policy is closely related to the issue of pensions.

“We must consider pensions which come under national funds, so it cannot be done. If the federal government agrees, then it can be done,” Khalid was quoted as saying.

“Ultimately the issue of a minimum wage policy is the responsibility of the federal government, not the states.”

‘Explanation required’

Kuang state assemblyperson Abdul Shukor Idrus, meanwhile, insisted that Khalid should respond to allegations involving the Selangor Oil Palm Industries Corporation Sdn Bhd.

This is a subsidiary of the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS).

“How can a company that has ceased operations carry out business transactions? Doesn’t the menteri besar, as chairperson of PKPS, know about this?” asked Shukor in a separate report by the daily.

He claimed that the company - through a board member - had approved a contract for a RM1.38 million project even though it had stopped operations in 2009.