Former Selangor menteri besar Khalid Ibrahim hit out at his successor Azmin Ali for raising water tariffs after the restructuring exercise of the water industry.

"This has contradicted the spirit and the original wish in the acquisition of water service concessionaires by the government," he said in a statement today.

According to the original plans, water tariffs should be reviewed three to four years after the completion of the restructuring of the water industry, while the subsequent increment will be done every three years, where the increment rate would not exceed 15 percent, he said.

Azmin had announced the increment in water tariffs but assured the people would not be burdened.

According to Azmin, the decision was necessary to ensure a more effective water management, which included resolving the problem of water disruption.

Azmin also stated the RM250 million offered to acquire Syarikat Pengeluar Air Sungai Selangor Sdn Bhd (SPLASH) by the state government was turned down.

"The talk with SPLASH will end in September 2016. We will ensure this will be resolved," said Azmin, adding that an independent valuer was appointed to offer a value for the acquisition.

Without elaborating, Khalid also questioned the appointment of the independent valuer, particularly in relation to the consultancy fees.

"I am shocked by the abrupt changes of public policies given the fact that the restructuring is done so the people can enjoy an effective water service and reasonable water tariffs," he said.

'Stop being a hypocrite'

The former PKR leader suggested that many (other) things could be done before (taking) such a drastic measure, which might lead to increased cost of living.

"For example, the state government could take measures to prevent wastage in operational costs, reduce the multi-level contracts and immediately terminate the awarding of sub-contracts," he said.

The state government, which wholly-owned the water concessionaire, need not observe the terms and conditions stipulated in the concession contract or follow the old model of operation, Khalid said.

The power to decide the pricing model rested with the state government, he added.

"The state government needs to comprehend thoroughly the accounts and record details of the operator to come out with a sustainable formula to prevent long-term increases in water tariffs," he said.

He called for an independent body to be set up to oversee the methods taken to decide the water tariffs and ensuring quality services.

It is time for Pakatan Harapan to stop being a hypocrite and finding excuses, he said, adding that it should prove that it is more capable than BN in managing the Selangor water industry.