Embattled developer Wanggsa Unggul wants its shareholders who are unhappy with the terms of the company's proposed joint-venture condominium project with Demi Prima to voice their grievances in court.

Until then, and as there is an absence of anyone to 'mediate' discussions between the contending parties, everyone should refrain from making unfair allegations based on presumptions about each other, a company director said.

Wu Mun Kun, one of Wanggsa Unggul's 10 directors, told malaysiakini this in response to allegations that the company had shortchanged its shareholders, who are residents of the disputed 3.2-ha plot of land in Ampang New Village, Kuala Lumpur.

Wangsa Unggul was created in 1993 to develop the plot of land where 113 families used to live.

Gaining little

Residents said they were unhappy as they stood to gain little more than RM3 million from the project, expected to gross more than RM80 million. The lion's share is said will go to Demi Prima.

At a meeting with residents on July 11, Wangsa Unggul and Demi Prima offered those willing to vacate the option of buying the condominium units valued at RM122,000 at a discounted price of RM28,000.

In addition, the companies promised to deposit RM400 ''rent subsidy'' into the bank account of each resident for two years or until the condominium project is completed.

Finally, each resident willing to take up the offer would also be paid RM200 ''transportation costs''.

Eighty-nine residents have signed documents to accept the terms, whereas 24 have declined to do so as they felt that the offer should be better.

Earlier yesterday, the minority group applied to the Shah Alam High Court to caveat the land so as to prevent any 'wrongful usage' and transfer of its ownership until the dispute had been settled.

Expressing disappointment at the action of the minority group, Wu Mun said the issue should just be settled by the judge presiding over the case.

"Whenever we do something, there will always be some people who are dissatisfied, even though there's no better way to be found to settle the issue. The terms are good, it's just that there is some opposition to the matter," he said when describing the terms offered to the residents.

"In that case, it's better to wait for the court decision, then we will see," he added.

He also denied that the company's affairs lacked transparency and accountability, but refused to disclose more details as the 10-member board of directors had yet to meet to discuss the latest developments.

"Its not true. A lot of information had been made known to the villagers. Some may think that they have been misinformed."

'Accidental demolition'

Meanwhile, one of the residents' lawyers KC Cheah ( right ) said they are considering filing a separate legal suit against the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) for the 'accidental' demolition of his house.

In the incident on Oct 14, MPAJ officers claiming to be "directed by the developers" demolished the house of one of the residents who had not accepted the offer from Wangsa Unggul.

The next day, MPAJ president Ramli Mahmud insisted that it was a "mistake."

In a meeting with the 24 residents the following week, however, Ramli was reported to have claimed that the resident and his family had already vacated the house prior to the demolition.

Ramli claimed there were photographs to prove his claim that the house was in fact empty.

Cheah told malaysiakini that the group as a whole will consider suing MPAJ for the demolition.

"We are considering that action which will be taken as a single group. We'll wait and see, but it will only happen after the first court case is settled," said Cheah.

Cheah was referring to their application for the Shah Alam High Court to declare MPAJ's notice of eviction and demolition issued Oct 22 as illegal.