Any different from the ever-hungry BN stray dogs?
The Selangor administration is under siege from grassroots supporters who feel they are "entitled" to Alam Flora contracts, and PR leaders are split down the middle on the issue.
The existing contracts, which were given out to politically-linked companies by the previous Barisan Nasional administration, are expiring soon.
Allegations of political patronage are commonplace in the industry and many companies which previously obtained contracts act as agents who sub-contract out the actual work.
Over the last few months, there has been intense lobbying for the new contracts to be given to Pakatan-linked contractors.
Datuk Hassan Ali yesterday said he wants the new contracts to be given to people who need them as well as party supporters.
“Both should be given the opportunity,” said the Selangor executive councillor in charge of public amenities.
However, the Selangor PAS commissioner denied allegations by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBSJ) councillor A. Thiruvenggadam who claimed the state government had agreed to allocate waste management contracts on the ratio of 40 per cent to PKR and 30 per cent each to PAS and DAP.
Hassan said the final prerogative is still with Alam Flora although the state government can make recommendations.
He added that all parties who wish to obtain waste management contracts will have to register with the state economic planning unit which would then refer them to Alam Flora.
He added no new contracts have been given out as yet.
DAP’s Ronnie Liu said he is against the distribution of waste management contracts based on political affiliations.
“I will not allow it and will suggest the contracts be given out by balloting,” said the state executive councillor in charge of local authorities.
He also denied Thiruvenggadam's allegations.
However, another PR politician who spoke to The Malaysian Insider said the state government was under pressure by leaders from PAS and PKR who want to keep the grassroots supporters happy.
“We will be no better than Barisan Nasional if we allow this,” said the politician, who declined to be named.
A spokesman for the state government said a special audit committee will be formed to ensure the contracts are only awarded to genuine operators.
The committee will work with Alam Flora officials to ensure brokers or agents are not appointed.
Regular checks and inspections will be carried out and companies found to be brokers will have their contracts terminated.
They want to curb this practice which was rampant under the previous state government, and the administration has no intention of continuing it.
“We hope these measures ensure that ratepayers get value-for-money services from contactors irrespective of political affiliation, race or background.”
The state is also studying strategies for a more transparent and accountable tender system for future contracts.[Malaysian Insider]
