Standing against corruption: Azam (centre) presenting a certificate during the closing ceremony of the 4th National Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Research Conference. — Bernama
SEPANG: Bad planning, poor governance and the absence of a well-thought-out strategic plan are to be blamed for the issues that ultimately led to the Sept 11 altercation at Kampung Sungai Baru in Kuala Lumpur, says Tan Sri Azam Baki.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner said that while urban planning and land use issues are not new, ineffective approaches have left the people bearing the brunt of the consequences.
“The planning was not thorough. Those that were staying on the land were also perhaps not aware of the risk of agreeing for the land to be developed.
“This lack of understanding and governance has now led to the people suffering,” he said during the closing ceremony of the 4th National Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Research Conference here.
The eviction comes after disputes over a redevelopment project that was first proposed in 2016 to replace the ageing PKNS flats and terrace houses with a high-rise mixed development.
While most flat dwellers agreed to the plan, several terrace house owners opposed it, causing delays.
The developer eventually invoked the Land Acquisition Act 1960 to acquire the land.
On Thursday, Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah decreed that the Kampung Sungai Baru redevelopment issue must be handled carefully and wisely, with priority placed on the interests of the Malays.
Azam said there is a need to review existing legislation, such as the Town and Country Planning Act 1976, to ensure it aligns with the demands of modern development.
He said the adoption of new technology, systematic planning systems and integration of artificial intelligence must be prioritised to prevent similar land development disputes in the future.
“Many residents only see the compensation or monetary offers, but are not adequately guided on the long-term implications.
“This is what happens when there is no clear strategic plan,” he added.
Azam pointed to another example of weak governance – the controversy surrounding national para-badminton champion Cheah Liek Hou, who was allegedly promised a RM60,000 incentive but has yet to receive it.
“I see this as a matter of governance, whether it was not understood, not communicated or if there was simply no proper governance framework to follow,” he said.
According to media reports, the para-athlete had accused the Malaysian Paralympic Council of not delivering on their promise of rewarding him RM60,000 for capturing gold in the Paris Paralympics.
Azam also linked the governance issue to the growth of the e-sports industry, which he said could encounter similar challenges as traditional sports if transparency and governance were not prioritised.
“Managing e-sports is similar to managing traditional sports, where issues of governance transparency often arise,” he added.
