OSA surprise for KL MPs

Source: http://www.thesundaily.my/news/887409 (By Soo Wern Jun and Pawan Al-Muzammel Ishak, newsdesk@thesundaily.com, 21/11/2013)

Tengku Adnan (centre in blue tie) and Ahmad Phesal (left) meeting Kuala Lumpur MPs today.

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 21, 2013): When the 11 Kuala Lumpur MPs turned up at the City Hall (DBKL) tower for a meeting with Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and Mayor Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib, the last thing they expected was to be asked to sign an Official Secrets Act (OSA) form.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng stopped Tengku Adnan from starting with the meeting until an explanation was given.

"We are supposed to be discussing the planned assessment tax increment and the Kuala Lumpur City 2020 amended draft plan. Why were we asked to sign an OSA contract?

"We were there to discuss people-related issues. Don't tell me this is under the OSA," he said.

Lim also stated that the next assessment collection is estimated to give City Hall an additional RM400 million, over and above the RM400 million collected this year.

According to him, Tengku Adnan stated that the contract was to protect government officers during meetings.

However, when Lim asked to review the Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020 amended draft plan, he was not allowed to do so until he signed the OSA contract.

"It looked as though I was being held to ransom," said Lim, adding that the nine Pakatan Rakyat MPs refused to sign the form.

Lim also said he will raise this issue in the next Parliament meeting.

Meanwhile, Tengku Adnan said City Hall intends to make the city more self-sustainable.

"The federal government is giving us sufficient funds, but we'd rather raise most of our own funds," he said.

Ahmad Phesal gave assurance that City Hall will not burden Kuala Lumpur residents.

"We can legally increase the assessment rates up to 35% but we will not do it. We'll keep it at an affordable rate.

"Property owners have until Dec 17 to appeal if they find that the taxes are unfair," said Ahmad Phesal, adding that no decision has been made on the rate to be charged on property owners.

Related news: DBKL may reduce valuation amounts

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/11/22/DBKL-may-reduce-valuation-amounts-Ku-Nan-All-will-be-revealed-on-Dec-17-the-last-day-to-submit-obje.aspx