Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said many premises without proper local authority approval were not torn down because public interest was taken into consideration.

"Such properties include temples and even headquarters of political parties. If I go strictly by the book instead of taking into account public interest and racial harmony, imagine the outcry if I were to execute the demolition orders," said Khir, according to the Star today.

He said the state government was well aware of many such properties, building extensions and up to 5,000 factories constructed without proper approval from local authorities.

Elaborating, Khir said enforcement over such violations were selective because the state wanted to be a 'friendly government', and not cause hardship to the public.

He added that action would only be taken on property owner should the premises be considered a safety hazard or traffic hindrance.

"Datuk Zakaria (Md Deros) is not the only person who had constructed a house without getting all the approvals first... I have been told I should not practise double standards. If his house is demolished, can all others in the same predicament accept the demolition of their properties?

"I have received many calls from the public, saying this place, or that, the neighbour's extension has no building plan approval, should I demolish them?" asked Khir.

Uphold the law

Zakaria, who is Port Klang assemblyperson and former Klang municipal councillor, was embroiled in a controversy when it was exposed that he had built a palatial mansion in Pandamaran without local authority approval.

Since then, calls have been made for the demolition of the 17-room mansion reportedly costing RM8 million, but Khir has maintained that only a fine of RM24,000 would suffice.

When contacted, Sungai Pinang assemblyperson Teng Chang Khim said Khir was attempting to skirt the issue - an appointed lawmaker breaking the law and getting away with a mere slap on the wrist.

"Zakaria chose to break the law when he should be upholding them. Khir cannot compare him with other (offending property owners) who may be ignorant of the law," said Teng, who was among the earliest campaigners against Zakaria's mansion.

But given the circumstances, Teng said Khir comments had put the Selangor government in a bind, as any action taken against property owners without first demolishing Zakaria's mansion, would be seen as double standards.

Teng, a practising lawyer, said the Klang Municipal Council was bound by Section 70 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1976 to demolish the mansion as it was deemed illegal.