Four Pakatan Harapan (PH) Members of Parliament have raised red flags over the Selangor state government’s proposed Smart Intelligent Parking (SIP) scheme, questioning its transparency, legality, and alignment with public interest. As the Aug 1 launch date looms, MPs representing Petaling Jaya, Subang, Shah Alam and Selayang are demanding an immediate review of the parking system that would see private involvement in daily operations and revenue collection.
In a joint statement, MPs Lee Chean Chung (Petaling Jaya), Wong Chen (Subang), Azli Yusof (Shah Alam), and William Leong (Selayang) called for the formation of an independent bipartisan committee comprising elected representatives, civil society groups, and technical experts. Their central concern: the apparent prioritisation of private profit over public service.
At the heart of the controversy is a RM200 million infrastructure investment to be spearheaded by Rantaian Mesra Sdn Bhd - Selangor’s state-owned firm - and a yet-to-be-named private company. Under the proposed model, local council officers will enforce parking rules, while the private entity will handle daily operations. The MPs argue that the current revenue-sharing arrangement appears lopsided, and full commercial terms - including profit projections - must be disclosed.
“We are especially troubled by the lack of transparency and the possible erosion of local councils’ democratic function,” the MPs said, adding that public parking management should serve residents and businesses and not act as a cash cow for private firms.
The lawmakers also cited potential legal concerns, noting that the Road Transport Act 1987 requires ministerial approval for such privatisations - something that remains unconfirmed. They emphasised that local councils exist to provide accessible, affordable, and efficient public services, not to maximise revenue at the community’s expense.
Amid growing public scrutiny, Selangor executive councillor Datuk Ng Suee Lim has responded by saying the state is open to postponing the SIP rollout if further discussions are needed. He stressed the state’s vision of developing smart cities and promised a win-win solution for all stakeholders.
However, critics argue that technological advancement should not come at the cost of public accountability. The PH MPs insisted that their position is consistent with the coalition’s long-standing commitment to transparency and democratic governance: values they say must extend even to PH-led state governments.
With local councils already funded through assessments and taxes, residents and small business owners fear that SIP’s implementation could lead to higher parking charges, reduced convenience, and diminished council autonomy.
The episode serves as a litmus test for PH’s governance credibility in Selangor. The public will be watching closely: not just how smart the parking system is, but how smartly the government handles public trust.
By: Kpost
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