Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin have backed Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s call for the redevelopment of land in Kampung Sungai Baru, Kuala Lumpur, to prioritise the interests of the Malays.
Anwar said he welcomed the sultan’s statement and that it was in line with his government’s stand on appreciating historical heritage while planning fair and balanced development.
“The government holds fast to the principle that every decision (involving redevelopments) must be centred on the people’s welfare and the continuity of the community’s identity.
“As chairman of the national affordable housing council, I remain steadfast in ensuring that all developments truly benefit the people without sacrificing their dignity, rights and history,” he said in a Facebook post.
Separately, Hamzah said the sultan’s remarks over the matter reflected his concern for the people, particularly in relation to the continuity and dignity of the Malays in the area.
“This is also the position of MPs from Perikatan Nasional.
“We have consistently and firmly voiced that any redevelopment in Kampung Sungai Baru must take into account the community’s interests while preserving the area’s original demographic,” he said in a statement.
A commotion erupted in Kampung Sungai Baru, a smaller village enclave within Kampung Baru itself, when the authorities evicted residents from 37 houses on Sept 11, with 14 homeowners refusing to vacate their homes.
Dang Wangi police chief Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman was struck on the head by an object allegedly flung by a member of a group opposing the evictions.
Police later arrested three suspects in connection with the incident. Seven others were detained on Saturday, with police stating that they were not residents but leaders and members of an “organisation”.
Earlier today, the Selangor ruler said while he had no objections to the redevelopment of the Kampung Sungai Baru area, it had to be handled “carefully and prudently”, with the conditions for redevelopment to be made clear and in favour of the Malays.
He also said that Kampung Baru had been a symbol of Malay awakening since 1900 and its original history and heritage must be taken into account in any decision made by all parties involved in its redevelopment.
Federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, in response, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguard the interests of the Malay community in Kampung Baru, ensuring they will not be sidelined in any redevelopment plans.
In a statement, she said any development initiative will be carried out with care and strictly in accordance with the law, with full respect for the cultural and historical significance of the area.
She also warned against attempts to politicise the issue or disrupt community harmony.
