KUALA LUMPUR: A number of people turned up for a planned protest at the Vivekananda Ashram in Brickfields despite it being cancelled after the organiser failed to get a permit.
The group gathered outside the building to protest against the designation of parts of the Little India township as major commercial areas in the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (KLLP2040) draft.
One of the protesters, Pusat Aduan Rakyat Malaysia chairman Datuk A. Chandrakumanan, said land in Brickfields was valuable and there would be parties interested in developing it.
“Much of Brickfields has been developed.
“We need some places to be retained to preserve the heritage and identity of this place.
“Please do not demolish all the old buildings because some parties want to profit,” he said.
“Vivekananda Ashram is a heritage site.
“There is also a Tamil school behind the building.
“With major developments in the surrounding area, there is no surety that the adjacent buildings would not be affected,” he added.
Subang PKR adviser Murali Subramaniam said despite the Vivekananda Ashram having been gazetted as a heritage site, the land was not indicated as such in the KLLP2040.
“The Vivekananda Ashram land is designated as a major commercial area too.
“Does this mean that there is a possibility that it may be developed?” he said.
Pertubuhan Kebajikan dan Amal India Baru Malaysia president U. Thamotharan said the building must be retained as a physical reminder of the presence of Indians there.
“Little India is a new feature.
“Historical buildings and landmarks must be preserved,” he said.
