PUTRAJAYA: The ruckus that ensued during the eviction process at Kampung Sungai Baru was caused by external influence, says Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) said the majority of residents had agreed to the redevelopment, and it was external parties who were trying to ride on the issue.
"What happened was not caused by the residents," she said at a press conference here on Friday (Sept 12).
This is very upsetting. I know who is behind the provocation," she said, adding that those behind it were not from the area.
Zaliha also said it is inappropriate for provocateurs to compare the situation with the unrest in Indonesia or Nepal.
"Why can't we resolve the issue in the right way? I am sure that most people want to live in peace," she said.
She also said the land acquisition was gazetted in 2021 under the previous administration and the current government was trying to resolve a legacy issue.
Dr Zaliha described the resistance towards the process as a “tyranny of the minority,” while adding that 72% of the residents have agreed to the redevelopment.
The eviction, which took place on Thursday (Sept 11), was a legal process that was carried out according to procedure, she said.
She said while most residents are not against the redevelopment, some may have issues with the compensation — a matter that could be resolved throught the courts.
“We should put ourselves in their (residents') shoes. They have waited for nine years,” she said.
“We want the residents to have a comfortable living environment,” she said.
According to her, there were some residents whose desire to see their new home remained unfulfilled, as they had died waiting at the transit home due to the extremely long process which had stretched to nine years.
She said the developer of the project had been footing the rental for residents who have been placed at temporary homes while waiting for the completion of the redevelopment.
Earlier, a committee of a faction of the residents had expressed readiness to meet government representatives to discuss the status of the land ownership in the area. They also urged the government to temporarily halt the eviction process pending discussions.
In response to this, Dr Zaliha said the eviction process was decided by the court, and not the government. She said the committee could hold discussions with the developer of the land.
The eviction was carried out under a writ of vacant possession against the residents.
The court-appointed bailiff, assisted by police and other agencies, cut electricity supply to the homes before removing gates, doors and windows.
The redevelopment plan for Kampung Sungai Baru was first announced in 2016, involving the replacement of terrace houses and PKNS flats with a high-rise mixed development.
While most of the flat dwellers agreed to the project, some terrace house owners opposed, delaying progress until the developer invoked the Land Acquisition Act 1960 in 2021.
