A dialogue session on the 2009 Selangor budget would be more constructive with the participation of the opposition, Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim said today.

The event, which is currently being held at a hotel in Subang Jaya, is an effort by the Pakatan Rakyat-led state government to encourage democratic participation from all sides with views on next year’s budget.

khalid ibrahim selangor mb pc 310708 07 However, the dialogue has failed to attract any BN opposition members.

"Yes, it would be nice to have the opposition as they can contribute their opinions on how we can direct the state’s budget for next year.

"We are not discriminating them. This is an open forum and anybody is welcome," said Khalid, adding that opposition members could be avoiding the forum for fear of critical opinions and brickbats from the various panelists invited to speak.

Some of the panelists in today’s morning session were indeed critical of the previous state government.

One panelist, president of the Kg Baru Balakong Association of Factory and Land Owners, Kenneth Gordon Eng said he and his fellow factory owners have long suffered from the various setbacks caused by excessive red tape under the previous government.

Eng said many factories have resorted to operating illegally because of the "absurd requirements" imposed on them by the local authorities when applying for certificate of fitness (CF).

CF is the approval given to factory owners by the state government through local authorities once factories meet safety and environmental requirements.

"The state government must administer a more reasonable set of requirements for us to build factories and the red tape must be simplified so that it would be more conducive for business to prosper in the state," said Eng.

Transparency, accountability essential

Other panelists touched on sectors such as information communication technology, public transportation and entrepreneurial matters in the state, agreeing that these sectors be given adequate allocations in next year’s budget.

Khalid added that transparency and accountability were essential in state governance to ensure that Selangor is heading in the right direction.

"We understand the needs of the business sectors but we must remind them that it is also important that they cooperate with us so that all citizens of Selangor will benefit."

He added that it was extremely important that profit made in the business sector be shared with all citizens of the state.

"You (business sectors) must give back to society what they have given to you," said Khalid.

The dialogue session, which ended at 5pm, will continue tomorrow.