Residents tick off politicians for seeking 'cheap publicity'

Eight residents' associations representing housing estates and condominiums in Bukit Antarabangsa today formed a joint organisation called the Bukit Antarabangsa Residents' Association (Bara) in the wake of last Saturday's deadly landslide in the area.

The association will work to ensure that Bukit Antarabangsa remains a safe place and work closely with government and enforcement bodies in relief efforts and the mapping out of both short and long term measures to prevent future landslides.

Bara spokesperson, Mohammad Rafick Khan also today slammed politicians from both ruling and opposition parties for trying to gain cheap publicity from the tragedy instead of sincerely taking part in rescue and relief efforts, adding that some are even fighting to control a relief centre set up by residents.

"One (party) came to our relief centre, put up their party banner and logo. After a while, another party came and put up their banner and logo and claimed the centre as theirs," said Rafick.

"It is not their centre! It's ours, it belongs to us all."

War of words

Rafick also criticised Selangor's present and former menteris besar, Khalid Ibrahim and Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo for their on-going war of words in the media.

"We voted for you, not for you to sit in the office. When disasters occur, we expect you to cooperate, regardless of your political stance," he said.

He, however, praised Selangor exco member Elizabeth Wong for her tireless efforts in relief efforts, saying she had not only provided help but necessities like candles, a generator and garbage bags.

"Don't overlook (small things like) garbage bags. Without them, there will be flies all over the place, and the sanitation problem will become worse," said Rafick.

Bara comprises heads of resident's associations from Taman Bukit Utama, Taman Bukit Utama Tropicana Villa, Puncak Bukit Utama, Taman Bukit Jaya, Kyoto Gardens, Oakleaf Condominium, Laman Oakleaf, and Sinaran Ukay.

VIDEO | 8 mins