KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today made a promise to protect Malay interests in the redevelopment of Kampung Baru in the city centre.
He asked for some time to review past redevelopment plans for the area before making any decision.
“I have given my word, and have even held off several programmes that were proposed but do not guarantee Malays’ interests,” Anwar said in the Dewan Rakyat during the prime minister’s Question Time.
Anwar was responding to Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof from Amanah who asked the government if it would continue with the redevelopment of Kampung Baru as attempted by his predecessor Khalid Abdul Samad who was also the former Federal Territories MP.
The PM listed three proposals submitted for redevelopment plans in Kampung Baru, but said he did not see them as suitable since the interests of the Malay were neglected.
“There was a proposal to carry out the buying and selling process with the government's liability reaching RM6 billion to RM7 billion, which the government cannot handle now.
“There was also a proposal to have a private company develop Kampung Baru, but it affects the interests and position of the Malays under the Malay Agricultural Settlement..
“There was also a proposal for leasing, which means the residents of Kampug Baru can lease. I don't think this is all appropriate. If the lease is 60 to 99 years, there will be unrest among the Malay community in Kampung Baru in case it goes out of hand. I cannot accept this.
“Whatever we do, we must ensure that redevelopment continues but the interests of the Malay community in Kampung Baru are protected,” Anwar stressed.
He also gave a guarantee that any future proposals submitted must involve negotiations with Kampung Baru residents and landowners.
Anwar was then asked by Titiwangsa MP Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani from Umno about Khalid's actions in making offers to the residents of Kampung Baru without Cabinet approval.
The PM gave an assurance that any proposed development for Kampung Baru under his administration would be implemented only after Cabinet gives its approval.
Anwar also assured Johari that he would be included in all discussions involving Kampung Baru before any decision is made since the area falls under his constituency.
“I'll be honest here. If we ask for RM7 billion, the money is not there. In the situation where we have financial constraints, we will not give up the property rights of the Malay there,” he said.
He added that guarantees made by the previous minister will not affect policies that will be implemented.
“Anything that involves large allocations must be brought to the Finance Ministry and the Cabinet,” he said.
