LETTER | We refer to the reports by The Star and The Malay Mail over Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, better known as Ku Nan, over the development and sale of land in Kuala Lumpur.
In the official press release, it was stated that “saya juga difahamkan bahawa terdapat kumpulan-kumpulan yang telah ditubuhkan oleh pihak-pihak tertentu untuk membantah terhadap pembangunan yang dilaksanakan oleh kerajaan di kawasan mereka dan/atau disekitar Kuala Lumpur.
Bantahan-bantahan tersebut adalah untuk mendapat imbuhan tertentu daripada pihak pemaju. Sehubungan itu, saya telah memohon kepada pihak pemaju untuk melaporkan kepada pihak polis dan SPRM berhubung dengan tindakan pihak-pihak tertentu tersebut.”
In English, the minister alleges that there are groups set up to object government initiated projects taking place within their communities and in and around Kuala Lumpur.
The groups objecting are accused of seeking “gratification” from the developers. On that note, he, therefore, asks the developers to report such matters to the police and to the MACC for further action.
Protect Taman Desa coalition spokesperson Frank Yeh welcomes all forms of action that promotes transparency and fair play.
However, it is surprising that these developers who have purportedly been “threatened” and “blackmailed” require the minister’s urging to lodge reports. We believe that developers carrying our development projects are neither ignorant nor stupid.
These are developers developing government projects that run into millions and billions of ringgit. Their credentials should have been diligently vetted and verified by the ministry as well as DBKL, and hence there should be nothing to hide.
It is therefore quite far-fetched that ad-hoc groups of individuals are capable of derailing the developers, what more for personal gain.
We believe that if the process of selection had been done well, these developers will work and perform in accordance with the law and do what is right. On the other hand, if the minister has evidence to support such allegations, he should rightfully lead the way in making the necessary reports as he and the ministry have a duty to protect the well-being of the people of Kuala Lumpur.
From the Housing and Local Government Ministry OSC Portal, in Taman Desa, there are 13 different projects undertaken by several developers involving 7,262 units of properties, of which 3,325 units are under the affordable housing program developed by a single developer.
The actual numbers will grow as more information is uploaded. The other developers are developing high-end, high-rise properties on small narrow tracks of land, increasing the area's population density by more than 10 fold.
These developers are well established and known.
These are the projects that Protect Taman Desa are primarily objecting to and protesting against.
Protect Taman Desa have seen banners put up removed by DBKL officers whilst unlicensed banners promoting property “pre-launch” are left untouched until complaints are lodged.
In addition, there is a group of banner thieves who stole several banners including 60 feet banners pinned onto the ground in private property. Police reports have been lodged but up till today, the banner thieves are still at large.
Reports with MACC has also been lodged by residents where it appears to contain irregularities and possible improprieties. As individuals, the people of Taman Desa and now possibly even residents in Kuala Lumpur are beginning to speak up and be heard.
The most appropriate thing to do by the leaders is to listen and appreciate these dissenting voices.
Where is the Kuala Lumpur Development Master Plan? The absence of a formal plan has created confusion and uncertainty. If the draft plan is flawed, then we must stick to the old plan as at least there is a plan that is transparent and clear.
In the absence of a formal plan, confusion reigns and akin to a ship at sea without a compass.
- Mkini
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