Govt will not compromise with provocateurs in Kg Sungai Baru, says Dr Zaliha

PUTRAJAYA: The government will not compromise with any party attempting to exploit the Kampung Sungai Baru redevelopment issue to the extent of disturbing public order.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said she regretted the provocations that took place during the eviction process, noting that they were not caused by the original residents.

“I know who was actually behind the propaganda at the site. Yesterday, I was informed that those involved were not even residents of the area,” she told a special press conference here today.

She said the government’s priority was to ensure that the court-ordered eviction could proceed smoothly without outside interference.

Dr Zaliha also criticised those attempting to liken the situation in Kampung Sungai Baru to conflicts abroad.

“It is not appropriate to compare what is happening here with other countries such as Indonesia or Nepal. Why would we want this country to be unstable?

“I will not allow anyone to ride on this issue. We work hard to preserve the nation’s peace, so matters like this must be rejected.”

Yesterday, tensions flared during the eviction of 15 residents who refused to vacate their homes. Dang Wangi district police chief Assistant Commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman was injured in the head after being struck by an object during a scuffle with a group of individuals.

Dr Zaliha said the government remained open to hearing the views of all parties, including those who disagreed, but stressed that objections must be raised through proper channels.

“If they are dissatisfied with compensation, they can pursue it through the courts — not by creating provocation or inciting demonstrations,” she said.

She urged all parties to respect the decision of the majority of residents who had already agreed to the redevelopment.

“The majority have agreed, with 72 per cent of residents supporting the project.

“As the government, our role is only to help facilitate their return to Kampung Sungai Baru with better living conditions,” she said.

Dr Zaliha added that resolving the Kampung Sungai Baru issue was a responsibility of the government, particularly for residents who had been waiting nearly nine years for new homes.

“Since I was appointed as Federal Territories Minister, I have considered this one of the legacy issues that must be resolved decisively. If you were in the residents’ position, waiting nine years, you would understand their feelings,” she said.

She said the redevelopment project began in 2021, with a Section 4 notice under the Land Acquisition Act 1960 issued at the time.

“Now, the Madani government is taking responsibility to resolve it. The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and I carry this mandate so that residents can return to their village with more comfortable living conditions,” she said.

The government, she added, wanted to ensure that residents benefitted from the redevelopment through fair compensation and improved housing.

“Residents are not against development; their main concern is compensation. If there are still those dissatisfied, the courts are there for them,” she said.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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