Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has affirmed that the housing development for Bukit Kiara longhouse residents is a resolution brought forth by adherence to the rule of law.
He emphasised that his administration strives to uphold the rights of all citizens regardless of race.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project in Kuala Lumpur today, Anwar said the end to residents’ over 40-year ordeal should be recognised as an exemplary case study for similar plights in other cities and states.
“We must follow legal procedures (and) allow learned individuals to scrutinise all aspects (while) we listen to all sides.
“Whether they are Malay, Chinese, or Indian, their rights must be defended - this is the Madani government; we are fair to all,” Anwar said.
Also present at the event were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh and Human Resources Minister R Ramanan.
The permanent housing project involves constructing 200 apartment units, with each original homeowner receiving two units.
Each unit will have three bedrooms, with construction beginning today and expected to be completed within the next three years.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, further announced an allocation of RM1 million to cover maintenance costs for the housing development for three years once the project is completed.
Acknowledging that socioeconomically disadvantaged groups typically “lose out” in battles against developers, Anwar in his speech stressed that those in power must strive to ensure justice is delivered for the rakyat.
‘Historic event’
He also reiterated his appeal to the public not to entertain “campaigns” that pit certain races against others, pointing out that bigger and more important issues will not be resolved if society is busy fighting amongst themselves.
“When we (address) rich people, those with Tun titles, bribery, or power abuse (issues), lobbyists will strongly defend them, but when it comes to poor people, or squatters with no homes, there is no voice.
“What is the meaning of justice and fairness? It cannot just be for one group (as) everyone has a right… Today’s event is historic not just for the longhouse residents, but as an example of how a nation should be run - don’t be greedy, (and) don’t neglect the rakyat,” Anwar said.
As such, he argued that power should be placed in the hands of people who have humanity, compassion, and sincerity, highlighting that the government protects the rights of the majority without neglecting other communities.
“This is not a question of political rhetoric or election manifestos…(For) longhouse residents, regardless of their race, we must think about their children’s future - how will their life be in the middle of a beautiful city, living with high hopes, but in such conditions?
“Just because (a project) has a temple, it does not mean the rights of Muslims are being sidelined - it is not a zero-sum game, everyone is protected and receives their benefits,” Anwar said.
In a statement issued after the event, Ramanan said the resolution achieved reflects the prime minister’s administrative efficiency.
“The decision finalised by the prime minister is a clear signal that the government will not delay justice for the people,” the PKR vice-president stated.
In 2017, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) allowed an RM3 billion project at Taman Rimba Kiara to proceed, which would have comprised eight blocks of 50-storey luxury condominiums and one block of affordable apartments.
It would have taken up 4.9ha, almost half of the 10.1ha Taman Rimba Kiara.
The project was later scaled down, allowing longhouse residents to remain in the area and restoring to Taman Tun Dr Ismail residents a portion of the land.
In 2023, the Taman Rimba Kiara longhouse residents won a landmark case in the Federal Court, with the court dismissing an appeal by DBKL, Yayasan Wilayah Persekutuan, and developer Memang Perkasa Sdn Bhd to reinstate a controversial development order over parts of the area. - Mkini
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