Former Klang MP Charles Santiago has called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to intervene in the controversy surrounding the demolition of houses at Kampung Jalan Papan, saying a prolonged crisis could diminish Pakatan Harapan’s credibility.
In an open letter to the prime minister, Santiago, of DAP, said Anwar should direct the Selangor government to honour its long-standing commitment to provide the affected families with the homes they were promised.
Most important, he said, was for Anwar to put an end to the aggressive policing that “has transformed a housing dispute into a spectacle of fear”.
“This is not merely a Selangor issue. It is a test of what kind of nation we are becoming. And it is a moment where your leadership can restore faith or erode it beyond repair.
“I urge you, respectfully but firmly, to intervene,” Santiago, a former three-term Klang MP, said.
He said PH had been elected on the promise of justice, transparency, and reform.
However, the episode contradicted the spirit of Malaysia Madani, which espouses compassion, dignity, accountability.
“Allowing this crisis to fester and allowing ordinary people to be humiliated, criminalised, and cast aside erodes credibility,” he said, referring to the 14 arrests made following the commotion that broke out during demolition works at the site on Wednesday.
Santiago’s open letter follows government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil’s remarks that the Cabinet is looking into the controversy.
Fahmi said several ministers had asked for the matter to be handled prudently to ensure it did not get out of hand.
“If there is any way for us to help manage and resolve the issue, we will discuss it with the Selangor menteri besar,” he said.
More than 30 houses, including occupied homes, have been demolished to make way for a redevelopment project, despite instructions from the state government that no forced evictions or demolition of occupied homes and premises should be carried out.
Santiago and Parti Sosialis Malaysia had previously urged the Selangor government to halt the demolition, warning that close to 100 families could be displaced.
The state government said on Oct 23 that only vacant houses and business premises would be demolished. However, on Oct 27, the residents received a fresh notice to vacate their homes.
