Hulu Kinta rep denies colluding with developer over farmers’ eviction

Incumbent Hulu Kinta representative Muhammad Arafat Varisai Muhamad has refuted allegations that he refused to defend farmers during the Changkat Kinding eviction dispute in Perak.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, the PKR man stressed that he was the first to speak out and disagree with the 101ha of land in Changkat Kinding being alienated and sold to Generasi Simbolik Sdn Bhd - a subsidiary of LBS Bina Group Berhad.

He also denied claims of “colluding” with the developer in an attempt to persuade farmers to accept the compensation offered to them.

“I did not force them to accept the compensation. Whether they wish to accept it or not, it’s their right. As an assemblyperson, I will follow whatever the farmers decide,” he stressed.

Arafat (above), who is defending the Hulu Kinta state seat in this election, insisted he had fought hard for the farmers and even sought legal advice on the winning chances if they brought the case to court.

“I was advised that it would be difficult to win the case.

Just because PSM brought the farmers to court and I didn’t, it doesn’t mean I didn’t fight for them. This is the wrong perception,” he said.

Earlier, Malaysiakini reported the farmers claiming that Arafat had not kept his promise to help those in Changkat Kinding as well as pomelo growers in Tambun.

One farmer, who asked not to be named, alleged that Arafat had “colluded” with the developer in an attempt to persuade farmers to accept compensation of RM9,000 per 0.4ha.

“Arafat told the farmers that if they don’t accept the compensation, they won’t receive anything if they lose the court case.

“This is not right. Arafat is our representative and he is supposed to be on our side,” the vegetable farmer alleged.

The Hulu Kinta seat will see a battle between Arafat, BN’s Mazlan Abd Rahman and Perikatan Nasional’s Puteri Holijah Muhamad Rali.

If he were elected again and Pakatan Harapan recaptures Perak, Arafat said he wishes to propose a clear guideline in addressing the longstanding land issue in the state assembly.

“I will propose a law or a clear guideline for the state government that prevents land that has been cultivated from being developed for other sectors.

“If reports by the land and mines office found that the land is indeed cultivated for plantations, then it can’t be sold to others.

“It would be best to give it to existing farmers who are working on the land, be it a leasehold or any sort of agreement. Just don’t disturb them,” he added.

Previously, Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim also commented on the plight of local farmers and land issues.

“We will help them. Give us a chance and change the government. We can look into the matter,” he said.

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