A KUALA Lumpur residents' group has asked the High Court to rule on whether parts of the Land Acquisition Act 1960 are constitutional.
KLRA+SD has filed a constitutional challenge in the Kuala Lumpur High Court against certain provisions of the Land Acquisition Act 1960, citing concerns over property rights, procedural fairness and the government's power to acquire private property.
The group said people whose land is marked for acquisition should be allowed to explain their concerns before a decision is made.
Compulsory acquisition is when the government takes private land under the law.
KLRA+SD, which represents more than 80 residents' associations and non-governmental organisations, said the current process did not provide a meaningful hearing before an acquisition.
It argued that this could be unfair and was in conflict with the Federal Constitution, which protects a person's right to property and guarantees equal treatment under the law.
The group is also challenging Section 3(1) of the Act, which allows land to be taken for purposes that include helping private companies.
It argues that this power should be used only for a genuine public purpose or in the national interest.
KLRA+SD said people affected by land acquisition should receive fair treatment throughout the process, not only financial compensation.
It is asking the court to rule on the provisions it is challenging, including whether they should be declared invalid.
