Putrajaya to meet Kampung Baru landowners over development Bill

The Kampung Baru Malay Agricultural Settlement Administrative Board (MAS) said today the government has agreed to consult the villagers before forming the Kampung Baru Development Corporation.

According to MAS secretary-general Shamsuri Suradi, the Ministry of Federal Territory and Urban Well-Being contacted the body last week to discuss the Kampung Baru Development Corporation Bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament next month.

“Earlier, we asked that the law be presented to the villagers first before it is tabled in Parliament,” said Shamsuri.

“So the ministry agreed to our request, the meeting will take place soon,” he added.

Two days ago, PAS vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar challenged Putrajaya to consult Kampung Baru landowners and beneficiaries before tabling the Bill in Parliament.

The Pokok Sena MP asked Federal Territory and Urban Well-Being Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Zainal Abidin (picture)to give the residents details of the legislation.

“I want to ask him why is he so afraid to present the Bill to the Kampung Baru residents? What is he hiding from them?” asked Mahfuz.

“We do not know what to expect from the meeting, but whatever the decision the residents’ views must be taken into consideration,” said Shamsuri.

“Leaders must meet the residents for agreement, so when the ministry agrees it is a good sign,” he said.

He added that MAS would be transparent and would not side with any party.

“Maybe some will agree with the Bill, some of them may have other suggestions. It depends on what will be presented. I cannot give an assurance that everyone will agree,” said Shamsuri.

“As for MAS we will support what is best for the people. We are not pro-government or anti-government,” he added.

Under the government’s plan, the Kampung Baru Development Corporation would oversee the settlement’s redevelopment plans.

The settlement spans 153.35 hectares, with 91.41 hectares, or 59.6 per cent, under MAS ownership.

Efforts to develop the prime property, currently worth between RM500 and RM600 per sq foot for commercial lots, have hit roadblocks for the past three decades due to difficulties in getting consent from landowners and beneficiaries.

The problem is compounded by Muslim inheritance laws which split the land parcels into smaller plots.

Under normal circumstances, parents will get 1/6, the wife or wives will together get 1/8, sons will get two portions and daughters one portion. That is the basic distribution of inheritance under Islam after debts are cleared. - Malaysian Insider