Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has ordered a police probe into a scuffle between Kampung Sungai Baru residents and the authorities earlier today which left a senior cop with a bloodied face.
In a Facebook post, Anwar said the scuffle, which he attributed to “irresponsible quarters with vested interests”, was despicable and should be condemned.
“I have instructed the authorities to carry out an immediate probe and nab both the mastermind and the attacker,” he said.
Dang Wangi police chief Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman was hurt in a stand-off with residents in Kuala Lumpur, who were reportedly set to be evicted today.
Harian Metro reported that a scuffle between residents and the authorities left Sulizmie with a bleeding wound on his face.
Anwar said that the freedom to assemble peacefully should not be abused for political interests and to disrupt public order.
“Violence instigated by provocateurs, hatred and disinformation should not be allowed to take root in society,” he added.
The redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru was initiated in 2016, but stalled largely due to legal issues, compensation disputes and disagreements among its residents.
In July, federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the area’s long-delayed redevelopment was expected to begin in the first quarter of next year.
She said the land acquisition application under the Land Acquisition Act 1960 was submitted by the developer in October 2020 and subsequently approved by the federal territories land working committee.
Gazettement of the acquisition, involving 110 properties including 37 terrace lots, 72 flats, and a Tenaga Nasional Bhd substation, was carried out in June 2021 under Sections 4 and 8 of the Act, for residential and commercial use.
In a separate statement, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail described the incident resulting in Sulizmie’s injury as “uncivilised and unacceptable”.
He said while the Federal Constitution granted citizens the freedom to assemble, such rights should not be abused.
“The government will not compromise with those who exploit this right,” he said.
