Annuar doesn’t think Kg Baru development is important - Khalid Samad

Former federal territories minister Khalid Samad has expressed disappointment towards his successor Annuar Musa after the latter said the federal government lacks funding for the Kampung Baru development plan.

Speaking at a press conference in Shah Alam today, Khalid said this is proof that the government is neglecting the development of the village located at the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

“Although I am disappointed by his position, it is not surprising because this Kampung Baru issue has long been neglected under Umno-BN rule.

“The new federal territories minister comes from the same party, so I think his attitude is also Umno’s attitude that doesn’t see development in Kampung Baru as an important issue,” he told reporters at his parliamentary service centre.

On April 4, Annuar said buying up land in Kampung Baru would cost nearly RM7 billion, and the project would not be easy whether in terms of legal requirements nor physical planning.

“The biggest problem is who wants to develop Kampung Baru?

“Because so far, there is no allocation, none of the huge funding needed to buy land, and that’s even if everyone agrees (to sell their land),” he had said.

However, Khalid said the previous Pakatan Harapan-led administration had already resolved over half of the development work and over 60 percent of landowners have agreed to sell their land.

“It is saddening to me and 60 percent of the owners who agreed to sell the land, and we feel very disappointed with the government of the day,” he said.

Meanwhile, Khalid questioned Umno leaders’ claim that the Harapan government’s offer for Kampung Baru land is too low.

“When we wanted to start the project, Annuar said the price offered is too low, that the Kampung Baru case is easy. Just offer at market price, and everyone will agree.

“But when he takes power, not only he can’t do it at the price we offered, he said the government has no money. Truly, Kampung Baru can’t be developed until Harapan returns to power,” he said.

For the record, during Khalid’s tenure as minister, Kampung Baru landowners were offered RM850 per square feet for their land, but this was later raised to RM1,000 after the offer was criticised by various parties.

On other matters, Khalid said he has yet to be summoned by the police to give a statement on a case involving his former political secretary who was arrested following allegations of making a forged development order.

Also arrested on May 18 was a married couple to facilitate investigations.

“I haven’t been called yet. I find that even my name hasn’t been mentioned in this case.

“My former political secretary was remanded for a day only, and I’m told the couple is still being investigated,” Khalid said.

He said he finds it strange that former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak would have a photo of him posing with the couple, which was taken during an open house he organised.

“Hundreds of people came to the open house and many took photos with me including that couple, but I find it strange how Najib has that photo.

“Moreover, at the time when my political secretary was arrested, I didn’t know the couple’s identity. But Najib knows and even shared the couple’s photo that was taken with me.

“When I asked Najib how he knew the couple was arrested, he just kept quiet. Perhaps the couple is in his clique,” he said.

Bukit Aman commercial crimes director Mohd Zakaria Ahmad previously said the trio were arrested under Section 420 of the Penal Code which deals with cheating and dishonesty. - Mkini