PARLIAMENT Former Selangor menteri besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has called for the state's authorities to investigate allegations of corruption in its water restructuring deal with the federal government

This, he said, is to ensure the people of Selangor don't pay more than the RM9.65 billion agreed upon to take over the water concessionaires operating in the state from the federal government.

"I urge all the parties involved not to hesitate to start an open investigation towards all allegations of corruption and misappropriation  (in the buy over of the concessionaires).

"The people of Selangor must not be forced to pay more than the overall price tag of RM9.65 billion which has been agreed on," he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

Speaking while debating the King's address to parliament, the independent Bandar Tun Razak MP also urged the federal and state governments to step up efforts to combat corruption.

Signing the controversial water deal with Putrajaya to take over Selangor's water concessionaires were Khalid's ( left ) last acts as Selangor menteri besar.

He stepped down after a power struggle shortly after he was sacked from PKR.

Good example by Pakatan

On Monday, current Selangor Menteri Besar Mohd Azmin Ali announced that the water agreement has lapsed and would not be extended.

 

The state government and the federal government have accused each other of breaching the terms of the agreement.

In his speech, he cited Penang's collaboration with China to investigate claims of graft during the state's underwater tunnel project.

"By doing this, allegations of graft, misappropriation or wrongdoing involving public fundsfor the underground tunnel project could be investigated and audited immediately," he said.

He said this was a good example set by Pakatan Rakyat to fight corruption and should be followed by the federal and state governments.

"I am confident that the BN federal and state governments will not be heavy hearted to take the initiatives by Pakatan states as an example if it is proven to be effective, and can benefit the people," Khalid said.