IN 1840, American humorist Seba Smith wrote in her short story The Money Diggers: “As it is said, ‘There are more ways than one to skin a cat’, so are there more ways than one of digging for money.”

I have just read three articles on the controversial Taman Rimba Kiara (TRK) issue. “The minister and the myths” by Khalid Abdul Samad, “Taman Rimba Kiara: 3 things Khalid Samad should consider” by K. Anantham, a former Court of Appeal judge, and “Taman Rimba Kiara saga: Longhouse residents claim affluent neighbours denying them proper housing” by Danial Dzulkifli.

A few days ago, I wrote an article, “Taman Rimba Kiara – An open letter to the cabinet”, listing some factual errors in a news report stating that the Federal Territories minister (FTM) will table and finalise the TRK disputes at a cabinet meeting next month.

My response to the three articles above are as follows. I can already guess the contents of the paper to be presented by the FTM to the cabinet on this issue. The conclusion in the close to 2,000-word article is a giveaway.

By the way, the TRK issue is not all myths.

There are already precedents where the new government need not honour agreements that are far bigger than TRK, which affects the country’s credibility made by the previous regime. This is not a matter if one is convinced it is illegal, because it smells fishy, then it is illegal!

The FTM himself admitted he needs a court to say it is so. The court case for TRK is ongoing and is not based on myth nor presumptions on dubious issues.

So, why the rush for the cabinet to decide? Are we not adhering to the rule of law?

Strictly, the courts will decide based on what has been tendered as affidavits, and the actual amount expended by the developer was RM115.4 million, with breakdowns. Were there other “certain invoices and receipts” that were tendered and not reported that FTM is privy to?

The court may so decide based on principles of universal justice, like including interest charges, but definitely will not inflate the amount to be refunded from RM115.4 million to RM150 million. Other expenses, like contractor and consultant fees, have been included. It is difficult to comprehend that the indirect expenses to be claimed by the developer will push the total to more than RM150 million.

We are not discussing whether the developer gets eight acres instead of 12 acres or the 370 acres of parkland nearby, but the issues that have been debated in court.

Also, this is not giving money to the developer to cancel the project, but a refund.

We know you are a very busy man. No need to worry because the court and MACC are looking at this issue now. Therefore, please save some time for yourself and the cabinet from perusing the paper that you want to submit.

Mr minister, people are not only putting their money where their mouth is, but also placing a bet on the new government.

We appreciate that you have to look after the welfare of KL as a whole, but there are many other grouses similar to the TRK issue, like the recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in favour of Taman Tiara Titiwangsa residents.

For the article by Anantham, I suggest the advisers to the FTM peruse it.

And, I think the person who drafted the third article is completely oblivious to the issue at hand.

I will try to offer some solutions in my next article, subject to further input from stakeholders.

Is Malaysia Baru trying to change things, including reinstating “the government knows best” mantra after the ex-prime minister tried to do away with it?

What say you… – March 29, 2019.

* Saleh Mohammed reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.