Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa must explain how a land reserve in Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur - which belonged to the police - ended up in the hands of a developer.
Speaking in a press conference today, former federal territories minister Khalid Abdul Samad said Zaliha’s statement on the matter was confusing.
“The question is, who decided to give the land to a developer?
“The MP and residents there didn’t know about this. All of a sudden, the reserve land has approval for development purposes,” the former Shah Alam MP added.
According to the New Straits Times, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok found out a private company had received approval from the Federal Territory Land and Mines Office to develop a condominium on the said land during a meeting with the Kuala Lumpur mayor.
When Kok raised the issue in the Dewan Rakyat, it was discovered that the Home Ministry and police had opposed the land sale, as they intended to use the plot for a new police station to replace the ageing Brickfields station, which is being rented by the authorities.
Kok has since questioned the inconsistency in Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) decisions, particularly why they rejected the police’s request for the land but approved the condominium project, especially when residents have raised concerns about the safety and security of the area.
Opening avenues for graft
However, in a written reply to Dewan Rakyat, Zaliha said the land and mines office rejected the proposal to build a police station on the land due to the proximity of the existing Taman Desa police station, located just 500m away.
Unimpressed, Khalid said it was improper for the ministry to ignore objections from the Home Ministry and police.
He also claimed that what transpired could open avenues for corruption in the future, particularly when it involves land approval issues.
“If there is already a (development) plan (by the authorities) but later given to a developer, this is improper.
“This will open doors to corruption when a land reserved for hospitals or other public amenities can be given to a developer without proper consultation with stakeholders,” he added.
Councillors appointments
On another matter, Khalid said it was disappointing that Zaliha had decided against amending the Federal Capital Act 1960, which would allow the city hall to have appointed councillors.
He reminded the minister that other parties had also voiced support for the resolution backed by the Federal Territories DAP.
“We were disappointed when Zaliha said regular meetings with the minister were enough.
“Bear in mind that the first resolution we received from the Federal Territories Amanah the day before yesterday was a call to amend the Act (to get appointed councillors).
“It was also discussed by the Federal Territories Pakatan Harapan and agreed upon in October. So, I hope the minister will be more open to this,” he said.
On Nov 13, Free Malaysia Today reported Zaliha as saying the Federal Territories Department has no plans to amend the Federal Capital Act to allow appointed councillors into the city hall.
She mentioned that the proposal requires comprehensive consultations with stakeholders, which would take a long time. - Mkini
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