The energy, water and communications ministry was taken to task for its change of stance over setting up a parliamentary select committee to obtain public feedback on proposed water privatisation.

Backbenchers Club chairperson Shahrir Abdul Samad (BN-Johor Baru) wanted to know why the promise was retracted.

"Does this mean the House cannot hold to the words of a minister?" he asked during yesterday's sitting.

He was referring to Energy, Water and Communications Minister Lim Keng Yaik's agreement to the formation of a Parliamentary select committee to oversee the management of water supply.

Lim had said this at the special Parliamentary sitting on Feb 18 and 19 to debate the Constitution Amendment Bill 2004 in relation to water privatisation among other matters.

The amendment was to allow the transfer of jurisdiction for management of water supply from the states to the federal government.

Last month, however, the minister said there was no need for the select committee as the ministry would be able to handle the issues that arise.

Shahrir said the excuse that the work of a select committee would be time consuming was not acceptable.

He pointed out that the issue is a controversial one and that matters pertaining to iwater privatisation have not been dealt with in a transparent manner.

Deputy Energy, Water and Communications Minister Shaziman Abu Mansor appeared lost when grilled on this development.

Claiming to be in the dark over the decision, he said the select committee would delay the country's developmental and modernisation efforts.

He added that the ministry had explained the issue to state governments and had also obtained feedback to be presented to the cabinet.

Fong Po Kuan (Batu Gajah-DAP) pointed out that the minister was not present to answer the questions and that Shaziman was being made a scapegoat.