The Selangor state legislative assembly today rejected an emergency motion tabled by Teng Chang Khim (DAP-Bandar Klang) to discuss the demolition of a multipurpose hall in a housing settlement in Batu Caves.

Turning down the motion, Speaker Onn Ismail said the matter was not urgent. He also explained that the state government had already taken the appropriate action to address the issue.

Earlier this month, angry residents of Kampung Indian Settlement in Batu Caves accused the Selayang Municipal Council and police of illegally attempting to demolish their multi-purpose hall.

On July 3, the authorities started destroying the side portion of the hall but stopped after residents protested. Only the main hall was left standing.

The following day, a resident lodged a police report with the Selayang police station claiming that the police and the council were conspiring with the developer to victimise residents of the area.

V Subramaniam, chairperson of the Kampung Indian Settlement Action Committee (Kisac), argued that the demolition should have been carried out by the land owner-cum-developer, Pembangunan Hasil Makmur Sdn Bhd.

No court notice

He added that the developer must have a court order before carrying out any demolition. However, Subramaniam claimed that the residents were not given any letter or notice about the demolition.

According to him, in a letter dated Dec 12, 2000 from Selayang Municipal Council's Town Planning Department head Zolkeflee Abdul Hamid to Pembangunan Hasil Makmur, the developer was required to build a new hall before tearing down the existing one.

There is concern among the residents that the developer may not build a new hall for them. They have been using the hall for various functions for only a minimal fee.

It is learnt that the developer had deposited RM100,000 with Selayang Municipal Council allegedly as a 'replacement' for the construction a new hall.

However, Onn clarified in the state assembly that the sum of RM100,000 was not a 'replacement' but a 'deposit' to ensure that the developer will build a new hall for the residents.

"I hope this is true and the demolition [of the multipurpose hall] will be deferred until the new hall is built," Teng said.

New guidelines needed

Meanwhile, Teng also urged the Selangor government to have a new set of guidelines and policies in the appointment of councillors in local authorities.

He claimed that many of those appointed as councillors consider their positions as "political reward" and that some of the appointees were not serious about carrying out their duties.

However, Selangor state executive councillor for squatters, housing and local government Mokhtar Dahlan (BN-Kelana Jaya) replied that the state has been following the guidelines set in the Local Government Act and will not review the present procedures and criteria.

Teng also related in the assembly today the actions of municipal councils which brought dissatisfaction to the people.

One such action is the closure of Sultan Sulaiman field in Klang which resulted in seven pickets and a signature campaign which collected about 2,000 signatures against it, he said.

"Until today, the padang is still closed," the opposition assemblyman lamented.

Nevertheless, Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo responded on the issue saying that he had directed the Klang Municipal Council to look into controversy surrounding the closure of the field.

The mentri besar also said he had directed all municipal councils to take over school fields and open them for public use if they are not utilised by the schools, in view of the lack of open spaces for recreational purposes in Selangor.