The controversy surrounding the redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru could have been avoided if proper governance and planning were in place, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Azam Baki.
Azam said residents did not fully understand the implications when they agreed to redevelop their land, leaving many “confused” and “facing hardship”.
Speaking at the Corruption, Integrity and Governance Research Conference here today, he felt the residents were not given proper guidance, and focused instead only on compensation.
“The Sungai Kampung Baru redevelopment was not planned properly, and the residents affected did not fully understand the implications when they agreed to develop their land.
“Perhaps, the residents were given the impression of a large monetary compensation, but were not shown the bigger picture. This highlights weaknesses in communication.
“The residents’ lack of understanding … and (the lack of) governance has led to hardship (for the residents). Many things have gone wrong, especially in terms of planning and strategy, which were absent.”
A commotion broke out at 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.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus said the authorities were executing a writ of vacant possession issued by the court for the 37 terraced houses.
Police arrested three suspects in connection with the incident. Seven others were detained on Sept 13, with police stating that they were not residents but leaders and members of an “organisation”.
Selangor‘s Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah yesterday stressed that the redevelopment of land in Kampung Baru should prioritise the interests of the Malay community given the historical significance of the area.
The sultan 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.
