Former Selangor menteri besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim's claims the state government has finalised a RM2.7 billion water takeover deal with Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Splash) has been called "irresponsible".

This was said by the Selangor water panel, in a statement surprisingly signed by representatives from PKR, DAP, Amanah and PAS, in an unprecedented show of unity.

They argued that Khalid's claims are unwarranted as negotiations and the price have not been finalised and independent valuations are still under way.

The panel said the Selangor government shares all information regarding the exercise with them, and they have learned that negations are still in progress.

Furthermore, the state has taken the panel's earlier recommendation to appoint an independent valuer to determine the appropriate pricing.

"Most recently, the panel also learned the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (Kettha) requires the consultation period be extended for six months to finalise the restructuring concerned," said the panel in a statement today.

"Therefore the accusation that the state government has finalised and offered RM2.7 billion to Splash is most irresponsible," said the panel comprising Pakatan Harapan Selangor leaders.

'Khalid never debated deals'

The panel was set up by the state government in 2009 to assist in the Selangor water restructuring plan, and comprises Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua, Klang MP Charles Santiago, Selayang MP William Leong, Tanjung Sepat assemblyperson Mohd Haslin Hassan, and Amanah strategy director Dzulkefly Ahmad.

Yesterday state Umno information chief Zein Isma Ismail warned of a potential hike in Selangor water bills citing Khalid's claim.

Khalid, who initiated the water takeover exercise while he was in office, has been critical of his successor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali's handling of the deal.

The panel also countered the former MB's call for the water deal to be debated in the state assembly saying Khalid himself had never practised this when he was heading the state government.

"He himself forgets many matters related to his offers to all the concessions since 2009 have never been debated (in the state assembly) as what he is urging now," said the panel.

Meanwhile in a statement today, Selangor PAS commissioner Iskandar Abdul Samad said they have explained the situation to party president Abdul Hadi Awang.

This was to address insinuations about party state executive council members after allegations made Khalid in his letter over the matter.

Hadi was briefed, that claims of the RM2.7 billion deal was not true as the federal government has yet to appoint an independent valuer to evaluate the Splash deal.

He was also told that Splash had never agreed to the RM250 million offer made when Khalid was in office, while a deadline was set for the state government and the water concessionaires to come to an agreement, nothing ever came of it.

Iskandar also explained to Hadi that all six offers were made to the four concessionaires during Khalid's tenure including the RM2.95 billion offer to Splash.