Water privatisation - Fomca being murky

A Concerned Consumer
Mar 20, 06 3:49pm

I write to request the Federation of National Consumer Associations (Fomca) to state its position on the issue of water privatisation.

I would also like to know how Fomca makes decisions on policy matters in this case from making a public stand against the privatisation of water but privately in its recommendations, making no mention of this privatisation.

I have read the following publications from Fomca:

1. Penswastaan Air: Pendirian Fomca (Siri Pemikiran Fomca - 2), wawancara Buletin Fomca bersama Marimuthu Nadason, Presiden Fomca and;
   
   
2. Penswastaan Air Menurut Perspektif Islam (Siri Pemikiran Fomca - 3), wawancara Buletin Fomca bersama Presiden Persatuan Pengguna Selangor dan Wilayah Persekutuan.

In both these publications, Fomca makes a clear and definitive stand that they reject the privatisation of water. I, as a consumer, support Fomca's stand on this matter.

I, too, am happy that Fomca is also a member of the Coalition Against Water Privatisation (CAWP).

While overall, the recommendations are useful and should help improve the water Bills currently being discussed. However, I was most surprised when I read Fomca's proposed recommendations that it makes no mention that it is against the privatisation of water and that it is against the ability of the Bill to distribute licences to the private sector.

I am also surprised on the substantive issue of privatisation where the minister for energy, water and communications stated that Fomca has distanced itself from the CAWP. Furthermore, Fomca was not represented at the CAWP’s meeting with the minister.

I on behalf of all concerned consumers request that Fomca make its recommendations on water privatisation public. After all, it is not good for transparency and, after all, is not Fomca doing all this in my name?