SHAH ALAM – Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari criticised Sg Pelek assemblyman Ronnie Liu, describing him as being mistaken in his assessment of the upgrading cost of the Shah Alam Stadium and Shah Alam Sports Complex.
Amirudin had also alleged that there were parties who were paid to discredit the project and tarnish his image.
Liu had said that the RM787 million to upgrade the complex is overly expensive, as even though the renovation project does not involve resources from the state government, the cost assessment has to be done by the Public Works Department (PWD).
Amirudin cited comparisons with the development cost of the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil – comprising the National Stadium, Axiata Arena, the National Aquatic Centre and the National Hockey Stadium as well as the surrounding landscaping – that came up to RM1 billion.
“RM787 million is how I compare the Shah Alam Sports Complex with the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex. These are worth RM1 billion.
“When were they developed? Between the year 2016-2017,” Amirudin said at the state assembly sitting on Tuesday.
“A special committee established by the state government will make the assessment of the cost. MBI (Menteri Besar Incorporated) will be temporarily appointed on a contractual basis instead of sitting under a government office,” Amirudin said during his winding up speech of the First Selangor Plan 2021-2025 (RS-1).
Liu had earlier interrupted Amirudin to say that any cost for stadium renovation should be made by PWD.
“I’m concerned that if the repair costs were made by other parties or developers involved in this plan that it would cost RM787 million to repair the Shah Alam Stadium,” Liu said.
“I do not believe it would cost that much, even though I do not have proof, and I’m not an expert to say it is very expensive.”
Amirudin then claimed that there were parties, including those close to Liu, who were “paid” to oppose the project and disputed all the information stated, including the repair costs.
“You want to wait for PWD? Even Sg Pelek, who once served as exco, would understand that PWD has a long list. We would have to wait three years for the list.
“Secondly, the director of the special committee is the former director of Selangor PWD. So, the discipline regarding the assessment of the price of goods would still be the same, and we also refer to PWD regarding the assessment.
“That is why this special committee will be a balance between the company and the state government.
“All these allegations made by Sg Pelek officials to us that I’m doing this project to put some money into my pocket are not true.
"I know, Sg Pelek financed them (to throw the allegations),” he claimed.
Last month, it was announced that the stadium will be given a new lease of life.
Amirudin had said that repairing and renovating the current structure, including the Malawati Indoor Arena, will cost RM787 million.
He had also clarified that the price tag includes lifting the stadium platform by 1.5m to avoid flooding – such as those that happened in 2006, 2015, and 2021 – and replacing the entire wiring system and the damaged roof panels of the current stadium.
He said this is something that needs to be assessed, as it could be more prudent to build a new facility for that kind of money. – The Vibes, August 5, 2022
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