PRM: Reason not convincing - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: May 8, 2008

Pakatan Rakyat’s reason for not fulfilling its promise to cut assessment rates by 20% was not acceptable and not convincing, said Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM).

Assessment rates need not be high, said vice-president Koh Swe Yong, as long as the Pakatan government conducted a better check on local government, getting them to pull up their socks in reducing wastage, corrupt practice, and abuse and cronyism and at the same time, practicing openness, transparency and good governance.

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim had said on Monday that the state was not able to cut rates for residents because the state’s economic growth was not up to expectations and because of soaring land prices.

Khalid said they would look at the best method to implement rates and review it at the next state budget meeting in 2009.

Koh said if Pakatan failed to lower assessments, then “it has made the electorate feel that Pakatan Rakyat's promise was merely vote fishing during the election.”