S'gor Opposition snubs gas blast briefing, demands transparency
The decision, announced by Selangor Opposition leader Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali ( pic ), was due to concerns over the briefing being conducted behind closed doors, which he argues undermines accountability and transparency.
'Despite our absence from the briefing, we are committed to actively participating in the debate when the issue is addressed during the Selangor State Assembly sitting starting tomorrow (July 8),' Mohamed Azmin said.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari had previously announced that a special technical briefing by agencies would be held today after the state assembly sitting for all MPs and state assemblymen in Selangor regarding the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights.
Mohamed Azmin said the Opposition bloc was also unhappy that a motion brought up by Taman Medan assemblyman Dr Afif Bahardin was rejected by Selangor Speaker Lau Weng San.
'The motion was to request a special state assembly sitting to debate the Putra Heights gas pipeline incident,' said Mohamed Azmin.
'Afif had on July 4, submitted a petition on behalf of 20 residents affected by the blast. This petition was submitted in the interest of public safety and administrative transparency.
'However, the motion was rejected by the Speaker on the grounds that the number of people who signed the petition was too few, and some were not voters from the area.'
The Hulu Kelang assemblyman said he also submitted an urgent motion under Standing Order 17(1) urging the government to release the full investigation report on the Putra Heights gas pipeline explosion incident.
"This is because the initial report was inconclusive, not comprehensive and failed to answer many critical questions,' said Mohamed Azmin, who said that a White Paper on the matter must be presented in a special assembly.
"We want to delve into the factors that triggered the incident, for example, whether there was negligence involved and possible failures in the planning approval process in granting the right-of-way access.'
The Bersatu politician added that the Opposition bloc also wants a thorough investigation to be carried out and for the planning permission approval process by local councils to be tightened.
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