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 Permas: New MB’s statements ‘chilling’

I think the new Mentri Besar Selangor is beating the gun, making decisions before proper consultation and planning. It is like the new Mentri Besar Perak waiving off compounds and fines of local councils, which has raised the possibility of the legality of the move. It is appreciated, these new Mentri Besars want to show they are proactive but don’t let that be done without proper planning and consultation. The old regime was criticised for the same reasons, and do not let the new group to fall into the trap.

Khalid said he was not scrapping the policy initiated by the previous government, but he did not look into the misery of squatters who had been treated badly by Toyo and group. Though he welcomed a meeting with Permas, why was this not done before proclaiming the no squatter policy.

Go slow then, the people do understand that overnight you cannot show results - suffice to say, plan and execute whatever you do. 

Permas: New MB’s statements ‘chilling’

Soon Li Tsin | Mar 27, 08 1:46pm

The community residents’ association of Selangor and Federal Territory (Permas) is disappointed with Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim’s decision to continue with the ‘zero squatters’ policy.

In a statement yesterday, Permas president Tan Jo Hann said Khalid’s “general sweeping statements” about squatters were uncalled for.

“We are very disappointed that he has made such a serious pronouncement as the Selangor MB without sufficient consultation and discussions with the wider community of residents’ groups, civil society organisations and especially the urban poor settlements themselves about their housing and land issues,” he said.

In an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini two days ago, Khalid said the new state government will not scrap the policy initiated by the previous government.

“You can’t allow people to become squatters in a state. There’s the balance that we have to abide by. We want to accommodate the wishes of the squatters as much as we have to take into account the costs (incurred by) the developer,” said the menteri besar.

Tan said the statements have a ‘chilling effect’ and are similar to the ‘pro-developer’ sentiments often expressed by former menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo.

“There are actually many different cases of housing and land where the developers have acted very irresponsibly and even criminally abusing state facilities, and ignoring basic human decency and rights of the people in their endeavour to pursue profits,” he said.

Tan revealed that he has communicated with Khalid’s political secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

“We have spoken and Permas plans to mobilise 1,000 residents to gather outside the MB’s office next week to submit a memorandum.

“Nik Nazmi also said that he will look into organising a meeting between Permas and Khalid. We are quite optimistic about collaborating with the new state government,” he said.

Proper methods will be used

Contacted latter, Nik Nazmi said he had explained to Tan that certain statements made by Khalid could have triggered the concern of some quarters but stressed that the interview must be read in its entirety.

“People became overexcited over several statements made but the interview must be seen in its totality and you can see that Khalid’s anti-squatter policy will be executed properly.

“He (Khalid) has said he will reduce squatters through a proper method and he would not resort to the form of implementation done by the previous government,” he added.

Nik Nazmi also said that a date will be decided soon for a meeting between Permas and the menteri besar.

On the planned gathering, he said: “Even if it is a protest, they are still free to gather outside the office but I am sure we will find room to discuss this matter.”

In the previous state administration, several squatter settlements were controversially demolished with the residents forcefully evicted in Kampung Berembang in Ampang and Taman Rimba Jaya in Shah Alam.

Permas: New MB’s statements ‘chilling’