A Selangor state lawmaker today said the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) had no reason to provide “preferential treatment” to the developer of an office building project at the former A&W restaurant site in Lorong Sultan.
Bukit Gasing assemblyperson Rajiv Risyakaran (photo) told Malaysiakini the decision by Petaling Jaya mayor Mohd Azizi Mohd Zain, made during an MBPJ full board which turned chaotic this morning, would set a dangerous precedent for future development projects in the area.
“While in general everyone understands that it is inevitable that the application for KUB Malaysia Bhd to build the office building will have to be allowed, the plot ratio/density should follow MBPJ's point system.
“There is no reason to give preferential treatment for KUB,” he said.
The A&W Malaysia franchise was bought over by KUB Malaysia Berhad in 2001.
According to the point system enforced by MBPJ, Rajiv said KUB has scored 7.2 points out of the full eight points – the shortfall being due to their inability to fit a park within the development area.
“We cannot fathom the stubbornness of the mayor to want to award the maximum plot ratio of eight to this particular developer,” he said.
Rajiv further explained the developer had scored full points for other requirements set by MBPJ, such as access to public transportation, disabled-friendly facilities, and achieving a platinum green building status.
“If this is set as a precedent, then future developers could also say they are unable to provide a park, but still demand full marks.
“It is not right to disregard the point system for one developer. It should not be done,” said Rajiv, who pointed out that there was a very small difference in terms of plot ratio approved for the developer.
Using example of a 10,000 sq ft site, Rajiv said a plot ratio of 7.2 would provide the developer with 72,000 sq ft of building space, while a plot ratio of eight would translate to 80,000 sq ft of build-up.
Earlier today, it was reported that MBPJ had approved the development of a single-block, 20-storey office tower on the 0.4ha land.
It was also reported that the meeting had turned chaotic after a group of councillors staged a walkout to protest the mayor’s decision to ignore their concerns raised through an attempt to call for a vote.
“According to procedures of council meetings, the mayor by right cannot refuse a vote if a councillor calls for it.
“What he has done has crossed the line,” Rajiv said of the meeting today, adding that he would be lodging a formal complaint with Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali.
Malaysiakini has contacted the mayor for comments.
Petaling Jaya city councillors are also expected to call a press conference on the issue tomorrow.- Mkini
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