Pkr Mp Questions Selangor Govt S Rejection Of Foi Request On Parking Project

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Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung has questioned a purported rejection by the Selangor government on a resident’s request to access documents related to the Selangor Intelligent Parking System (SIP), calling it a serious setback to transparency and accountability.
Lee (above), who received a complaint from the resident, said the request was made under the state’s Freedom of Information (State of Selangor) Enactment 2011.
According to Lee, the resident’s application under the state’s FOI mechanism was rejected under Section 14(a) of the enactment, on the grounds that the documents were classified under the Official Secrets Act 1972.
“Supposedly because their disclosure could ‘seriously endanger national security or defence’.
ADS“How could a parking management contract - a document that directly affects the daily lives of the people - possibly threaten national security or defence?” questioned the PKR lawmaker.
Malaysiakini learnt that the resident filed the request in August, and it was rejected earlier this month.
When contacted, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari’s aide Jay Jay Denis said a response will be issued after details of the application have been reviewed.
The first phase of the parking privatisation project was reportedly launched on Aug 1, involving the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), and Selayang Municipal Council (MPS).
The plan, prior to its launch, has faced strong backlash from other MPs as well as residential and eco-sustainability groups.
‘Illogical reason’
Commenting further on the FOI request rejection, Lee said it was “illogical and damaging” for the state government, which has long promoted transparency, to now cite national security to block public access.
“The Selangor government has long prided itself on transparency and accountability, yet it now cites ‘national security’ to block public access.
“This is illogical and damaging to public trust in the government’s reform credentials,” he said.
He questioned why the documents could not be made public if the SIP system truly aimed to unify local council parking, improve efficiency and revenue, and reduce summonses.
“If the project was indeed done through open tender and proper processes, there is absolutely no reason to keep it secret,” he said.
In raising the question, Lee cited Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari’s reported statements in July that the SIP project was awarded to Rantaian Mesra Sdn Bhd via an open tender process that involved 26 companies, with three shortlisted.
Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin ShariADS“If it were an open tender, there must be open documentation to back it up. Denying access even under the FOI process contradicts the openness that the state government has always promoted,” he added.
Rantaian Mesra is a wholly owned unit of Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI), tasked to operate SIP under a 10-year concession with local councils and a private partner.
‘Address issue seriously’
Lee, who was previously active in advocating for the Freedom of Information Enactment when it was first introduced, said the move called into question whether the original reform spirit behind the law still existed.
As such, he urged the Selangor government to explain why the SIP documents were classified as national secrets and to review how the FOI law is being implemented.
“If even a parking system can be treated as a national security matter, then what rights do the public still have to know how public resources are being used?”
“If the state government is sincere in building an open, credible, and accountable administration, it must address this issue seriously - revoke this unreasonable secrecy decision and restore the people’s right to information,” he stressed. - Mkini

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