POLITIK313 would like to examine on:
1. What did Allah say about water...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan tidakkah orang-orang kafir itu memikirkan dan mempercayai bahawa sesungguhnya langit dan bumi itu pada asal mulanya bercantum (sebagai benda yang satu), lalu Kami pisahkan antara keduanya? Dan Kami jadikan dari air, tiap-tiap benda yang hidup? Maka mengapa mereka tidak mahu beriman?
2. What did Lady Zubaidah Al-Abbasi do...
There are many historical wonders in the land of Saudi Arabia and one of the wonders is Ain Zubaida. Ain Zubaida is a symbol of the magnificent legacy of a unique historical water project, built during the eighth century, exactly in AD 801 and named after its founder, Zubaida Al-Abbasi, the wife of the Islamic Caliph Haroon Al-Rasheed. Zubaida was a memorable lady who lived in Baghdad from AD 760 to 820.
Ain Zubaida is such a brilliant water system with its fantastic engineering feat that it is still survived after 1200 years. Preservation and rehabilitation of this historical heritage is given utmost importance at a project run by a unit at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah.
Professor Omar Siraj Abu Rizaiza of the King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, who is a native to the region and an established researcher in the field of water resources with extensive expertise in the typography of the Arab peninsula and its resources, gave a lecture on the historical dimensions of Ain Zubaida at a meeting organised by the London Middle East Institute (LMEI) at the School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS), University of London at the Brunei Gallery, on 30th of April, 2012. The lecture carries the objective of extending the initiative of the Saudi Arabian government to increase the publicity of Ain Zubaida heritage.
Professor
Abu Rizaiza, who is Professor in Civil Engineering, College of
Engineering and Principal Investigator of the Project of the King
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for the Rehabilitation of Ain Zubaida, gave
glimpses of his extensive scrutiny of the engineering works of Ain
Zubaina.
Historical background of the Ain Zubaida
Mentioning about the historical background of the Ain Zubaida, Professor Abu Rizaiza said, when Zubaida performed Hajj, she noticed the overwhelming need for proper water supply, especially at the Holy Places. She decided to supply these areas with fresh drinking water. Upon her return to Baghdad, she contacted engineers and briefed them regarding her decision to supply these areas with water. After in-depth studies and research, the engineers explained that the project would be extremely expensive. Her response, quick and straightforward, indicated that people’s lives were of higher value. The engineers designed a brilliant project. They carried out further studies for the construction of an integrated system for collecting, transporting, storing and distributing water around the Holy Places.
The cost of the project was one million dinar pounds, the equivalent of a piece of gold weighing approx. 10 grams. The project took ten years to complete. As a result of such great efforts and tremendous engineering feats, the project has survived to the present day, with large sections still operating efficiently.
Its elements and engineering works
The system consisted of canals (Qanats), manholes, retaining walls, culvert, dams, bridges, pools, ground (and elevated) water storage tanks and distribution outlets embellished with beautifully shaped stone taps. Qanats: Qanats are of two types: (1) Qanats for collection and Transport; and (2) Qanats for Transport only.
Galleries for water collection and transport: They function as water collecting parts; built underground, crown (upper part) is below GW table level. They are designed in such a way that there is enough pressure to push the water to seep into the galleries. .
Speaking about the engineering works of the Ain Zubaida, Professor Abu Rizaiza mentioned, The system consists of canals (Qanats), manholes, retaining walls, culvert, dams, bridges, pools, ground (and elevated) water storage tanks and distribution outlets embellished with beautifully shaped stone taps.
Operation and Maintenance of Ain Zubaida:
Virtually from its inception, the Ain Zubaida System was operating under the auspices of a Trust Fund and Maintenance System (Awqaf), which derived its liquidity from the incomes generated by vast property holdings. This self-financing system (Awqaf) provided capital for the purchase of material, as well as operation and maintenance work performed by a variegated labour force.
Professor Abu Rizaiza mentioned about the main labour force of the Ain Zubaida, which consisted of approx. 500 salaried employees, composed of the following: Full-time staff, part-time staff, and consultants (on call) .There were hundreds of volunteers and working pro bono; these were skilled craftsmen, residents of the Mecca region, who would be rotated to work a number of hours in a so-called “after-shift”.
All salaried employees as well as volunteers would be interviewed by committees. To be appointed candidates have to convince the committee members of their professional calibre, mentioned Professor Abu Rizaiza.
Inspection and Maintenance Programme:
Speaking about the inspection and maintenance programme, Professor Abu Rizaiza said, the maintenance programme consists of the following events:
• (1) Weekly inspection (Routine);
• (2) Standard maintenance run (every 6-12 months);
• (3) Special post-flood maintenance work (on average; once every 10 years).
Professor Abu Rizaiza also explained the geographic location of Ain Zubaida in Wadi Naaman, towards the east of the City of Makkah.
Rehabilitation of Ain Zubaida
Speaking about the Rehabilitation of the Ain Zubaida System, Professor Abu Rizaiza, the Director General of the Unit for Ain Zubaida Rehabilitation and Ground Water research at King Abdulaziz University, said, in recent years there has been a renewed interest in traditional water supply systems, such as ains, in the Kingdom, not only as a sustainable source of water, but also as a cultural heritage item of engineering works. Some of these systems, especially the ones located at the Holy Places, are not only important locally but also have global significance.
Professor Abu Rizaiza also mentioned about the shifting from Ain to Well System massive pump operations. He said, due to massive expansion of tube-wells used by public and private parties in the vicinity of Ain Zubaida, the pumping of water for the wholesale market in the Jeddah and Makkah areas became a routine practice. This change in water operations has resulted in a considerable drop in the groundwater table, with the system drying up. This caused the infrastructure of many parts to deteriorate, with facilities becoming almost obsolete.
The provision of water was the most fundamental aspect of looking after the pilgrims. The most important features of the infrastructure, the birak were basically tanks or small reservoirs for collecting rainwater and runoff from the shallow wadis (intermittent watercourses) of northern and north-eastern Arabia. Water from the spasmodic and occasional rains would be challenned into these tanks and, when the system was working at its best, would be stored there until the time of the Hajj when the pilgrims could make use of it. Numerous well-spaced birak were built along the trail in a sophisticated feat of engineering.
The classic Abbasid period birak on the Darb Zubaida were square or rectangular tanks, 30-50m (100-165 ft) along the sides and about 5m (16 ft) deep. They were built of stone, usually coursed rubble, and some were lined with plaster to prevent leakage.
A Brief Note on Zubaida, her background and contribution
Professor Abu Rizaiza gave a brief note on the life, education and famous projects of Zubaida. Zubaida was born in Al-Mussel in AD 762. When she was one year old, her father died and she was taken to the house of her grandfather who raised her most responsibly. After her grandfather’s death, one of her paternal uncles looked after her. He was kind and very helpful.
While at her grandfather’s house, she was taught by famous top scholars. Her preferential subjects were: History, Art, Philosophy, Poetry, Religion and Science. She was considered a talented, intelligent, serious and dedicated learner.
Zubaida was married to Haroon al-Rasheed, the Fifth Abbasid Caliph. She died in AD 831 in Baghdad, 32 years after her husband’s death.
Zubaida’s Famous Projects
Lady Zubaida carried out many famous projects during her lifetime, such as Bait al-Hekma Library, Baghdad, Research and Education Centre, Translation Centre and Ain Zubaida. It is most important to note that a Muslim lady of her stature in those early periods carried out so many educational, welfare and research-oriented translation projects.
The Bait al-Hekma Library, Baghdad
Professor Abu Rizaiza mentioned about the Bait al-Hekma Library. He said, Zubaida along with her husband established the Bait al-Hekma Library at Baghdad, which is the largest and most famous library in the history of Islam. She acquired for the library books and makhtotat (manuscripts) from different countries and written in different languages such as Arabic, Greek, Latin, Persian, Indian and Chinese. Her main concern was to stock the library with as many books as possible no matter what the cost! The library is still operating today, said Professor Abu Rizaiza. .
Research and Education Centre
Another important project which Zubaida established was the Research and Education Centre. Professor Abu Rizaiza said, Zubaida contributed significantly to the establishment of this vast facility. She recruited outstanding scholars and scientists from all over the world to teach there. She paid them high salaries and awarded them prestige beside elevated academic status. She also provided a support structure for the scholars that would handle all of their daily necessities, in order to free them for research and educational activities.
Translation Centre
Zubaida also participated in establishing a translation centre for producing Arabic versions of texts written in principal contemporary languages, [such as (mainly) Greek, Latin and Persian]. This was in addition to extensive work on research reports and other texts, mentioned Professor Abu Rizaiza.
3. What has Mr Obstructionist done so far...
LAST week was ominous for Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim. Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail dropped hints that the corporate CEO turned politician would not necessarily be reappointed mentri besar should Pakatan Rakyat (PR) retain power in Selangor.
Initially, the party floated news that he would defend his Bandar Tun Razak parliamentary seat without mentioning whether he would do the same for the Ijok state seat that he won five years ago.
The Selangor MB post is the most sought-after state political appointment in the country given the notion the state is Malaysia's premier industrialised hub and its most developed. For want of a better term, it's a gold-mine state.
Before PR came to power in the state in 2008, the previous three MBs under the Barisan Nasional rule all had their tenures rocked by controversies. Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib and Tan Sri Abu Hassan Omar had to quit mid-way while Dr Mohamed Khir Toyo was sentenced to 12 months' jail on a corruption charge three years after the BN lost the state. He is awaiting the outcome of his appeal.
On Saturday, Khalid announced on Twitter that the party's central leadership wants him to run for the Port Klang state seat instead of defending Ijok. PKR won the Port Klang seat in the last election but its assemblyman Badrul Hisham Abdullah defected to Umno in 2010.
"PR made a mistake in picking a candidate that hopped (defected). I hope I can redeem PR's mistake and give a better service to the voters of Port Klang," he said.
That the PKR leadership has not yet indicated that Khalid would remain the MB should PR retain Selangor is not surprising because some other politicians are positioning themselves for the coveted job. One name often mentioned is PKR deputy president Azmin Ali.
After five years on the job, the embattled Khalid is not politically savvy and still learning the ropes in the rough and tumble of politics but there are signs that he's not likely to give up either. He told Sinar Harian last Tuesday that he wants another go at the job.
In Malaysian politics, hardly anyone stays for just one term in any post unless they are involved in scandals, let alone one with such high stakes as the Selangor MB.
But Khalid's reasons for wanting another term are highly questionable. He says it is to give him an opportunity to issue "water industry shares" to the five million people of Selangor in line with his RM9.65 billion offer to take over the four water concessionaires in the state. This can only be done if the four companies accept the offer.
It is intriguing that a man whom sections of the social media describe as "Mr. Obstructionist" for blocking all efforts by the federal government to avoid a water crisis in the state now wants to use water as as his trump card to stay in power.
At the time of writing this column, water supply to half a million people in Kuala Lumpur and Gombak had yet to be restored after the arterial pipe at Kampung Melayu in Batu Caves was damaged during Wednesday's downpour, forcing Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) to turn off supply from the Wangsa Maju treatment plant to prevent wastage.
In January, another half a million people in Pandan and Cheras had their water supply cut when the Wangsa Maju pump house broke down. These disruptions would not have occurred if the Selangor government had not refused approval for capital expenditure by Syabas to upgrade plants and other facilities that are working beyond capacity.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui told me that he has held several discussions with Khalid to resolve the water issue and everytime they met, the MB appeared positive in extending the state's cooperation. "But he would later talk about things contrary to the understanding reached at their meetings," he said.
In an interview with Bernama last week, an exasperated Chin told the people of Selangor they could avoid what could be a crippling water crisis by "voting wisely". I have known the minister for a long time and I can confirm that this is his way of saying, don't vote for a government which has frustrated the federal government's effort to resolve the crisis.
Of critical importance is the Langat 2 plant that will treat water from Pahang under a tunnel project planned 20 years ago and which is 70% completed but could not operate without Langat 2 that Khalid is strongly opposed to.
Although the multi-billion ringgit water transfer project funded by federal government was well under way, Khalid in May last year baffled everyone by saying that he wants to source raw water from Kenyir Lake in Terengganu despite knowing the distance to Selangor is farther compared to Pahang.
Then he said that he's looking to source water from mines. This was followed by another statement from him that he wants to engage the services of experts from France and the UK to help manage the industry.
In denying the need for Langat 2 that is designed to treat sufficient water up to 2020 and beyond, Khalid pulled out another rabbit from his hat – saying he wants to use membrane technology and portable treatment plants.
But all these remain as promises and meantime, the water reserves in Selangor which also supplies Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, have reached dangerously low levels with the state's 34 treatment plants operating at maximum capacity.
Khalid now wants to issue what he calls water shares to the five million residents of Selangor when asking them to give PR another mandate. He wants to issue one unit of shares to each resident and at RM2,000 each , this will amount to RM10 billion. As he puts it, "we can raise RM10 billion to fund the takeover (of the concessionaires) but it won't be paid by the people of Selangor. The government will manage the fund so that it can be floated and owned by the people."
He felt short of telling how he could raise the RM9.65 billion needed to take over the companies if they agree, and more importantly, how he is going to get a return on investment, when his policy is to give free water.
One PR billboard declares that the state government has provided free water worth RM640 million to the people. What kind of business model is Khalid talking about when there's hardly any income from free water?
Selangor voters have to decide: Do they want more disruptions to their water supply or end the prospects of a crisis once and for all.
If the 13th general election is billed as the mother of all elections, a water crisis in such crucial regions like Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya would be the mother of all crises.
Source
No. 1: AlQuran, 21:30
No. 2: http://islamicmonitor.blogspot.com/2012/05/ain-zubaida-symbol-of-magnificent.html &
No. 3: http://www.thesundaily.my/news/662481
Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan tidakkah orang-orang kafir itu memikirkan dan mempercayai bahawa sesungguhnya langit dan bumi itu pada asal mulanya bercantum (sebagai benda yang satu), lalu Kami pisahkan antara keduanya? Dan Kami jadikan dari air, tiap-tiap benda yang hidup? Maka mengapa mereka tidak mahu beriman?
2. What did Lady Zubaidah Al-Abbasi do...
There are many historical wonders in the land of Saudi Arabia and one of the wonders is Ain Zubaida. Ain Zubaida is a symbol of the magnificent legacy of a unique historical water project, built during the eighth century, exactly in AD 801 and named after its founder, Zubaida Al-Abbasi, the wife of the Islamic Caliph Haroon Al-Rasheed. Zubaida was a memorable lady who lived in Baghdad from AD 760 to 820.
Ain Zubaida is such a brilliant water system with its fantastic engineering feat that it is still survived after 1200 years. Preservation and rehabilitation of this historical heritage is given utmost importance at a project run by a unit at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah.
Professor Omar Siraj Abu Rizaiza of the King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, who is a native to the region and an established researcher in the field of water resources with extensive expertise in the typography of the Arab peninsula and its resources, gave a lecture on the historical dimensions of Ain Zubaida at a meeting organised by the London Middle East Institute (LMEI) at the School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS), University of London at the Brunei Gallery, on 30th of April, 2012. The lecture carries the objective of extending the initiative of the Saudi Arabian government to increase the publicity of Ain Zubaida heritage.
Historical background of the Ain Zubaida
Mentioning about the historical background of the Ain Zubaida, Professor Abu Rizaiza said, when Zubaida performed Hajj, she noticed the overwhelming need for proper water supply, especially at the Holy Places. She decided to supply these areas with fresh drinking water. Upon her return to Baghdad, she contacted engineers and briefed them regarding her decision to supply these areas with water. After in-depth studies and research, the engineers explained that the project would be extremely expensive. Her response, quick and straightforward, indicated that people’s lives were of higher value. The engineers designed a brilliant project. They carried out further studies for the construction of an integrated system for collecting, transporting, storing and distributing water around the Holy Places.
The cost of the project was one million dinar pounds, the equivalent of a piece of gold weighing approx. 10 grams. The project took ten years to complete. As a result of such great efforts and tremendous engineering feats, the project has survived to the present day, with large sections still operating efficiently.
Its elements and engineering works
The system consisted of canals (Qanats), manholes, retaining walls, culvert, dams, bridges, pools, ground (and elevated) water storage tanks and distribution outlets embellished with beautifully shaped stone taps. Qanats: Qanats are of two types: (1) Qanats for collection and Transport; and (2) Qanats for Transport only.
Galleries for water collection and transport: They function as water collecting parts; built underground, crown (upper part) is below GW table level. They are designed in such a way that there is enough pressure to push the water to seep into the galleries. .
Speaking about the engineering works of the Ain Zubaida, Professor Abu Rizaiza mentioned, The system consists of canals (Qanats), manholes, retaining walls, culvert, dams, bridges, pools, ground (and elevated) water storage tanks and distribution outlets embellished with beautifully shaped stone taps.
Operation and Maintenance of Ain Zubaida:
Virtually from its inception, the Ain Zubaida System was operating under the auspices of a Trust Fund and Maintenance System (Awqaf), which derived its liquidity from the incomes generated by vast property holdings. This self-financing system (Awqaf) provided capital for the purchase of material, as well as operation and maintenance work performed by a variegated labour force.
Professor Abu Rizaiza mentioned about the main labour force of the Ain Zubaida, which consisted of approx. 500 salaried employees, composed of the following: Full-time staff, part-time staff, and consultants (on call) .There were hundreds of volunteers and working pro bono; these were skilled craftsmen, residents of the Mecca region, who would be rotated to work a number of hours in a so-called “after-shift”.
All salaried employees as well as volunteers would be interviewed by committees. To be appointed candidates have to convince the committee members of their professional calibre, mentioned Professor Abu Rizaiza.
Inspection and Maintenance Programme:
Speaking about the inspection and maintenance programme, Professor Abu Rizaiza said, the maintenance programme consists of the following events:
• (1) Weekly inspection (Routine);
• (2) Standard maintenance run (every 6-12 months);
• (3) Special post-flood maintenance work (on average; once every 10 years).
Professor Abu Rizaiza also explained the geographic location of Ain Zubaida in Wadi Naaman, towards the east of the City of Makkah.
Rehabilitation of Ain Zubaida
Speaking about the Rehabilitation of the Ain Zubaida System, Professor Abu Rizaiza, the Director General of the Unit for Ain Zubaida Rehabilitation and Ground Water research at King Abdulaziz University, said, in recent years there has been a renewed interest in traditional water supply systems, such as ains, in the Kingdom, not only as a sustainable source of water, but also as a cultural heritage item of engineering works. Some of these systems, especially the ones located at the Holy Places, are not only important locally but also have global significance.
Professor Abu Rizaiza also mentioned about the shifting from Ain to Well System massive pump operations. He said, due to massive expansion of tube-wells used by public and private parties in the vicinity of Ain Zubaida, the pumping of water for the wholesale market in the Jeddah and Makkah areas became a routine practice. This change in water operations has resulted in a considerable drop in the groundwater table, with the system drying up. This caused the infrastructure of many parts to deteriorate, with facilities becoming almost obsolete.
The provision of water was the most fundamental aspect of looking after the pilgrims. The most important features of the infrastructure, the birak were basically tanks or small reservoirs for collecting rainwater and runoff from the shallow wadis (intermittent watercourses) of northern and north-eastern Arabia. Water from the spasmodic and occasional rains would be challenned into these tanks and, when the system was working at its best, would be stored there until the time of the Hajj when the pilgrims could make use of it. Numerous well-spaced birak were built along the trail in a sophisticated feat of engineering.
The classic Abbasid period birak on the Darb Zubaida were square or rectangular tanks, 30-50m (100-165 ft) along the sides and about 5m (16 ft) deep. They were built of stone, usually coursed rubble, and some were lined with plaster to prevent leakage.
A Brief Note on Zubaida, her background and contribution
Professor Abu Rizaiza gave a brief note on the life, education and famous projects of Zubaida. Zubaida was born in Al-Mussel in AD 762. When she was one year old, her father died and she was taken to the house of her grandfather who raised her most responsibly. After her grandfather’s death, one of her paternal uncles looked after her. He was kind and very helpful.
While at her grandfather’s house, she was taught by famous top scholars. Her preferential subjects were: History, Art, Philosophy, Poetry, Religion and Science. She was considered a talented, intelligent, serious and dedicated learner.
Zubaida was married to Haroon al-Rasheed, the Fifth Abbasid Caliph. She died in AD 831 in Baghdad, 32 years after her husband’s death.
Zubaida’s Famous Projects
Lady Zubaida carried out many famous projects during her lifetime, such as Bait al-Hekma Library, Baghdad, Research and Education Centre, Translation Centre and Ain Zubaida. It is most important to note that a Muslim lady of her stature in those early periods carried out so many educational, welfare and research-oriented translation projects.
The Bait al-Hekma Library, Baghdad
Professor Abu Rizaiza mentioned about the Bait al-Hekma Library. He said, Zubaida along with her husband established the Bait al-Hekma Library at Baghdad, which is the largest and most famous library in the history of Islam. She acquired for the library books and makhtotat (manuscripts) from different countries and written in different languages such as Arabic, Greek, Latin, Persian, Indian and Chinese. Her main concern was to stock the library with as many books as possible no matter what the cost! The library is still operating today, said Professor Abu Rizaiza. .
Research and Education Centre
Another important project which Zubaida established was the Research and Education Centre. Professor Abu Rizaiza said, Zubaida contributed significantly to the establishment of this vast facility. She recruited outstanding scholars and scientists from all over the world to teach there. She paid them high salaries and awarded them prestige beside elevated academic status. She also provided a support structure for the scholars that would handle all of their daily necessities, in order to free them for research and educational activities.
Translation Centre
Zubaida also participated in establishing a translation centre for producing Arabic versions of texts written in principal contemporary languages, [such as (mainly) Greek, Latin and Persian]. This was in addition to extensive work on research reports and other texts, mentioned Professor Abu Rizaiza.
3. What has Mr Obstructionist done so far...
LAST week was ominous for Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim. Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail dropped hints that the corporate CEO turned politician would not necessarily be reappointed mentri besar should Pakatan Rakyat (PR) retain power in Selangor.
Initially, the party floated news that he would defend his Bandar Tun Razak parliamentary seat without mentioning whether he would do the same for the Ijok state seat that he won five years ago.
The Selangor MB post is the most sought-after state political appointment in the country given the notion the state is Malaysia's premier industrialised hub and its most developed. For want of a better term, it's a gold-mine state.
Before PR came to power in the state in 2008, the previous three MBs under the Barisan Nasional rule all had their tenures rocked by controversies. Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib and Tan Sri Abu Hassan Omar had to quit mid-way while Dr Mohamed Khir Toyo was sentenced to 12 months' jail on a corruption charge three years after the BN lost the state. He is awaiting the outcome of his appeal.
On Saturday, Khalid announced on Twitter that the party's central leadership wants him to run for the Port Klang state seat instead of defending Ijok. PKR won the Port Klang seat in the last election but its assemblyman Badrul Hisham Abdullah defected to Umno in 2010.
"PR made a mistake in picking a candidate that hopped (defected). I hope I can redeem PR's mistake and give a better service to the voters of Port Klang," he said.
That the PKR leadership has not yet indicated that Khalid would remain the MB should PR retain Selangor is not surprising because some other politicians are positioning themselves for the coveted job. One name often mentioned is PKR deputy president Azmin Ali.
After five years on the job, the embattled Khalid is not politically savvy and still learning the ropes in the rough and tumble of politics but there are signs that he's not likely to give up either. He told Sinar Harian last Tuesday that he wants another go at the job.
In Malaysian politics, hardly anyone stays for just one term in any post unless they are involved in scandals, let alone one with such high stakes as the Selangor MB.
But Khalid's reasons for wanting another term are highly questionable. He says it is to give him an opportunity to issue "water industry shares" to the five million people of Selangor in line with his RM9.65 billion offer to take over the four water concessionaires in the state. This can only be done if the four companies accept the offer.
It is intriguing that a man whom sections of the social media describe as "Mr. Obstructionist" for blocking all efforts by the federal government to avoid a water crisis in the state now wants to use water as as his trump card to stay in power.
At the time of writing this column, water supply to half a million people in Kuala Lumpur and Gombak had yet to be restored after the arterial pipe at Kampung Melayu in Batu Caves was damaged during Wednesday's downpour, forcing Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) to turn off supply from the Wangsa Maju treatment plant to prevent wastage.
In January, another half a million people in Pandan and Cheras had their water supply cut when the Wangsa Maju pump house broke down. These disruptions would not have occurred if the Selangor government had not refused approval for capital expenditure by Syabas to upgrade plants and other facilities that are working beyond capacity.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui told me that he has held several discussions with Khalid to resolve the water issue and everytime they met, the MB appeared positive in extending the state's cooperation. "But he would later talk about things contrary to the understanding reached at their meetings," he said.
In an interview with Bernama last week, an exasperated Chin told the people of Selangor they could avoid what could be a crippling water crisis by "voting wisely". I have known the minister for a long time and I can confirm that this is his way of saying, don't vote for a government which has frustrated the federal government's effort to resolve the crisis.
Of critical importance is the Langat 2 plant that will treat water from Pahang under a tunnel project planned 20 years ago and which is 70% completed but could not operate without Langat 2 that Khalid is strongly opposed to.
Although the multi-billion ringgit water transfer project funded by federal government was well under way, Khalid in May last year baffled everyone by saying that he wants to source raw water from Kenyir Lake in Terengganu despite knowing the distance to Selangor is farther compared to Pahang.
Then he said that he's looking to source water from mines. This was followed by another statement from him that he wants to engage the services of experts from France and the UK to help manage the industry.
In denying the need for Langat 2 that is designed to treat sufficient water up to 2020 and beyond, Khalid pulled out another rabbit from his hat – saying he wants to use membrane technology and portable treatment plants.
But all these remain as promises and meantime, the water reserves in Selangor which also supplies Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, have reached dangerously low levels with the state's 34 treatment plants operating at maximum capacity.
Khalid now wants to issue what he calls water shares to the five million residents of Selangor when asking them to give PR another mandate. He wants to issue one unit of shares to each resident and at RM2,000 each , this will amount to RM10 billion. As he puts it, "we can raise RM10 billion to fund the takeover (of the concessionaires) but it won't be paid by the people of Selangor. The government will manage the fund so that it can be floated and owned by the people."
He felt short of telling how he could raise the RM9.65 billion needed to take over the companies if they agree, and more importantly, how he is going to get a return on investment, when his policy is to give free water.
One PR billboard declares that the state government has provided free water worth RM640 million to the people. What kind of business model is Khalid talking about when there's hardly any income from free water?
Selangor voters have to decide: Do they want more disruptions to their water supply or end the prospects of a crisis once and for all.
If the 13th general election is billed as the mother of all elections, a water crisis in such crucial regions like Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya would be the mother of all crises.
Source
No. 1: AlQuran, 21:30
No. 2: http://islamicmonitor.blogspot.com/2012/05/ain-zubaida-symbol-of-magnificent.html &
No. 3: http://www.thesundaily.my/news/662481
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