Selangor govt does not object check and balance initiative

SHAH ALAM - The Selangor government has not objected to any initiative towards the check and balance process, including the formation of a Portfolio Committee by the opposition bloc, Perikatan Nasional (PN).

Public Health and Environment Exco Jamaliah Jamaluddin said she hoped that the opposition was truly sincere in carrying out their responsibilities by focusing on the initiative and not politicising the affairs of the State Legislative Assembly.

The Bandar Utama assemblyman also hoped that the representatives from the opposition can debate prudently and factually for the benefit of the people.

"I don't know the background of each (opposition) assemblyman and what their plans are in the respective positions of power.

"Irrespective of the existence of this position of authority or not, the most important thing is when the State Legislative Assembly session is held soon, I hope that all assemblymen will debate based on facts and the interests of the state of Selangor," she told Sinar, today.

She said this when asked to comment on the Portfolio Committee that was announced by Selangor PN chairman and Hulu Kelang assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, recently.

Azmin said PN agreed to form the relevant authority involving the main areas that will be led by most of the assemblymen based on their respective expertise and skills.

It is in line with the goal of creating a strong, effective and responsible opposition bloc for the interests of the people and the state of Selangor.

The structure of the authority will be announced in the near future.

Meanwhile, Women's Development and Social Welfare Exco Anfaal Saari said she expected this term's state assembly session to be not as calm as usual with the presence of 22 opposition assemblymen.

However, she said the state government's Exco line-up will be ready to answer any questions raised.

"It is a normal procedure to hold a pre-council or preliminary discussion to bring matters that will be raised and debated in the state assembly," she said.

At the same time, she welcomed the establishment of the relevant authority which will lead to a constructive debate that will enable the state government to be more sensitive to better administration.

"It's just that the opposition needs to avoid disrupting stability with low-quality debates, slander and accusations.

"In the democratic process, checks and balances are necessary. When the opposition is strong, the state government will be more critical in carrying out its role," she said.