TITIWANGSA Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has condemned the ongoing controversy surrounding the redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru as having been “deliberately politicised” by external parties who, he claims, are exploiting the issue for their own agendas.
“I was informed that those causing the commotion were outsiders with no connection to the homes involved,” said Johari during a special interview on Podcast Utama. “This has entered the realm of political interference.”
He refuted allegations that he had neglected his constituents during a court-ordered demolition operation, stating that he had prior commitments and was explicitly advised by the police not to be present due to escalating tensions.
“I was advised by the police not to go because the situation had become very tense. I don’t understand how it could escalate so severely when only 14 houses were yet to vacate, but it felt as though all 328 residents were in conflict with the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU).
“I’m thankful I listened to their advice, because the stone that hit the District Police Chief could have hit me. Outsiders won’t understand. If even the police are not respected, what about me as an MP?”
On 11 September, Dang Wangi District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman, was injured during the operation to vacate several homes in the area. The exercise was led by court bailiffs and supported by enforcement agencies, under a legal mandate to proceed with demolition.
Johari argued that those unfamiliar with the context were quick to react emotionally, further fuelling unrest.
“Some of the confusion arises because the situation has been wrongly equated with urban renewal policies such as the Urban Renewal Act. But this case is different. It’s not about public infrastructure; it’s about private profit,” he said.
According to Johari, the Land Acquisition Act 1960 should only apply to developments for public purposes such as roads or rail infrastructure.
“If the land is being taken for a public project, we have no objection. But redevelopment for the sake of hundreds of millions in profit cannot be considered the same.”
He expressed frustration with developers who, after acquiring the land at below-market rates, attempted to build unaffordable high-end projects.
“Developers acquired the land cheaply, and then proposed luxury projects. When Malays couldn’t afford to buy them, they claimed it was still a project ‘for Malays’. That’s not acceptable,” said Johari.
“Earlier, units priced at RM900,000 struggled to sell, but more affordable homes at RM300,000 sold out quickly. This clearly shows the demand is for affordable housing for the Malay community, especially in this area.”
He also stressed that Kampung Sungai Baru is no ordinary piece of land, but a historically significant site granted by the Sultan of Selangor to the Malays during the British colonial period.
“Developers must understand the uniqueness of Kampung Sungai Baru. This land was originally granted to the Malays with the condition that it remain in Malay hands for as long as the moon and stars exist. That’s the history — and history cannot be changed.”
“Kampung Sungai Baru is a symbol of Malay identity in the heart of the capital. Its value is not only monetary. This land represents cultural and historical continuity, and that must be respected.”
He insisted that the role of developers in the project must be re-evaluated to ensure a fair outcome.
“We must ask: is the redevelopment model creating a win-win situation, or does it only benefit the developer?”
Commenting on past delays in formally gazetting the land as Malay reserve, Johari said these were technical oversights, not intentional neglect.
“The intention has always been to preserve the land for the Malays. There may have been errors in execution, but the fact remains — this land is a royal grant from the Sultan of Selangor to the Malay people.”
He concluded with a call for all stakeholders to respect the legacy of Kampung Sungai Baru and to uphold the rights and heritage of the Malay community in Kuala Lumpur.
“It is time for everyone, especially the developers, to honour the historical significance of this land. The legacy of Kampung Sungai Baru must be preserved, not erased.” - September 18, 2025
