A coalition of Chinese organisations today urged the government to be transparent on the "redevelopment" project of the Sungai Besi cemetery, considered a historical site which include among others, the grave of Kapitan Cina Yap Ah Loy.

"The developer, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur, the cemetery management and the members of parliament who held discussions with the developer recently should disclose any details regarding the project," the Malaysian Chinese Organisation Election Appeal (Suqiu) said in a press statement.

Suqiu noted that discussions of the proposed multi-million ringgit project has so far been conducted in much secrecy involving a few groups, while the public has not been consulted at all.

It was reported in Nanyang Siang Pau on yesterday that 15 Chinese organisations held several meetings in the past few months and planned to form up "Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Kwangtung cemetery management committee (SKLKCM)" to assist the developer on the relocation of the cemetery.

"We are astonished and feel disappointed by the news. We hope that they will hold a dialogue with Kwangtung Association, Kwangsi Association and others to avoid any decision which will divide the Chinese community," Suqiu stated.

Suqiu will jointly organise a briefing for Selangor and Kuala Lumpur MPs and state assemblymen with Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall Youth Section at the Sungai Besi cemetery on July 30.

The coalition pointed out that the historical value of the cemetery should not be denied and it should be beautified to become a tourist centre.

"The reason to redevelop the cemetery for business objective is totally unacceptable, it only means that certain people are trying to make a profit," Suqiu said.

Suqiu is made up of some 2,000 Chinese organisations which put forward a list of demands in the run-up of the last general elections relating to issues of national unity, reform of political organisations, human rights, economy and social development, education, multi-culturalism, environmental protection, women, media, workers and indigenous people.

Meanwhile, Chinese social activist Tan Ah Chai called on the 15 Chinese organisations to reveal their identity and should not "hide" their true selves.

"They should be brave enough to face the Chinese community and other organisations," Tan said.

Tan, who is also deputy president of Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall Youth Section, there is a plot by certain parties "to show that the developer of the redevelopment project appears to have support from the Chinese community".