Transparency in Water Concession Agreements

Transparency International-Malaysia (TI-M) Calls for Transparency in Water Concession Agreements
Tan Sri (Dr) Ramon V. Navaratnam, President Transparency International –

MalaysiaTI-M notes with concern statement by the Energy, Water & Communication Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik that the water concession agreement and the audited accounts of Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (SYABAS) are classified under the Official Secrets Act and may not be made public except with the Cabinet’s approval.

The classification of such information as “official secrets” seems to go counter to principles of transparency, accountability and good governance. These concessions pertain to issues that are of vital public interests with direct impacts on public funds and taxpayers’ and consumers’ interests.

TI calls upon the Government to explain why such information is considered “official secret” and the justifications that support such a decision.

In the interests of transparency, good governance and accountability, TI Malaysia calls upon the Government to urgently review the matter and consider releasing important documents such as these to public scrutiny and evaluation.

The Government must be committed to promote transparency and accountability in our public procurement system and these include privatization and concessionaire agreements. The commitment must be practiced across the board, without exception.

Source :
Press Statement
Transparency International Malaysia, Jan 18 2007
http://www.transparency.org.my/Water.html