KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 — Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali rejected today former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s claim of a RM2.7 billion payout to take over Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Holdings (Splash).

The former Selangor mentri besar said negotiations between the state government and the private water company that will wrap up the industry’s long delayed restructuring efforts have yet to be completed.

“When I left the state, the negotiation process was extended until July 4. I was told that it has been extended for another month since then with Cabinet’s approval,” Azmin told reporters at Parliament.

Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jeyakumar later said that the deal is expected to be finalised by its current deadline, which is August 10.

“I think we will make an announcement in a few days,” he said.

Dr Xavier also said that developments from the negotiations have been positive so far.