THE redevelopment of Kampung Baru, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, should not affect the interests of the Malay community, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. 

Anwar, who is also the Tambun MP, said that every plan to develop the area must ensure that the rights and position of landowners are preserved. 

“There is a proposal for the process of buying and selling; the cost is up to RM6 to RM7 billion, which cannot be handled by the government now. 

“There is also a proposal to bring in a private company, but it will affect the interests and position of the Malays under MAS (Malay Agricultural Settlement); there is also a proposal for a leasing process. 

“I think this is all inappropriate,” said Anwar, at the prime minister’s question session in the Dewan Rakyat today. 

Anwar was responding to Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof who asked for clarification on whether the government would continue the redevelopment of Kampung Baru, as proposed by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration between 2018 and 2020. 

Anwar said he would find a way to implement the redevelopment and at the same time ensure that the interests of the Kampung Baru Malay community were protected. 

“Whatever we do, I will discuss everything with the former minister and make sure that the interests of the Kampung Baru Malay community are safeguarded. 

“Give me space to review and I will refer to the views of the local community myself,” Anwar said. 

In fact, he said, development projects using leasing methods do not protect the owners’ rights. 

“I cannot accept a proposal that does not preserve Malay rights; the lease is up to 60 years. 

“We are not ready to give up Malay rights there, (by bringing in private companies), I will negotiate to find a better method. 

Anwar previously postponed the redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, which received objections from a few residents. 

The postponement was made to allow negotiations to be held between the owners and interested parties. 

About 260 residents in the area, however, requested that the redevelopment project continue. 

During the previous PH administration, the then Federal Territories Minister Khalid Samad had made an offer to take over the land at a rate of RM1,000 per square feet for 93 ha of land in the area. 

The proposal, however, could not be implemented after the government collapsed due to political turmoil. – February 21, 2023.