Kg Sg Baru clash shows PM's true colours, Ramasamy says

Summary

• Urimai chairperson P Ramasamy says the clash in Kampung Sungai Baru proves that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim only pretends to be sympathetic to the poor.

• He points out that while Anwar spoke out against the assault on a senior police officer, the premier was mum on the plight of the residents.

• Ramasamy also warns that the situation might become worse in the future for ordinary residents if the Urban Renewal Bill becomes law.

The clash that occurred in Kampung Sungai Baru had revealed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s true colours, said Urimai chairperson P Ramasamy.

He said that while the premier pretended to be sympathetic to the poor, the mask fell when the latter admonished those who opposed the eviction process by calling them troublemakers and instigators.

“He was infuriated by what happened to the Dang Wangi police chief while totally discounting the cruel and wicked displacement of the residents.

“This incident and many others have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Anwar is not fit to be the prime minister of the country,” he said in a statement today.

Yesterday, the eviction process of several residents from Kampung Sungai Baru turned bloody after Dang Wangi district police chief Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman sustained injuries to his head.

The police officer is understood to have been hurt when chaos broke out after several disgruntled residents attempted to force their way into the area.

The operation, which also involved the cutting of electricity supply, began in the morning and was led by court bailiffs in cooperation with several related agencies.

‘Fight to the end’

Livid, Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus vowed to push through the eviction, declaring he “will fight to the end” should there be any intentional provocation, to ensure the operation is completed.

He also warned that firm action would be taken against anyone attempting to provoke unrest.

Anwar also chimed in, saying the assault on Sulizmie was perpetrated by irresponsible and self-serving parties.

“Peaceful assemblies must never be misused for narrow political interests or to stir unrest among the people,” he added.

Dangers of URA

On that note, Ramasamy also backed a PAS leader’s claim yesterday that the clash in Kampung Sungai Baru is a stark reminder of what awaits the people if the Urban Renewal Bill becomes a law.

“If the government can show its ugly face even before the introduction of the URA in Parliament, just imagine what kind of power the government and developers would have in the aftermath of its passage.

“What happened to the residents of Kampung Sungai Baru is a powerful lesson as to why Malaysians of all walks of life must reject the URA and consign it to the dustbin of history,” the former Penang deputy chief minister added.

Following the clash yesterday, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari described the incident as a “teaser” of what may come if the contentious URA becomes law.

He said that without compassionate consideration, developers would be granted sweeping powers, leaving ordinary people at risk of being forced out of their homes.

PKR Youth chief Kamil Abdul Munim took to X to pan Fadhli’s remarks, saying it is unhelpful in calming the situation.

“The statement seems to be ‘enabling’ the violence that occurred.

“Using violence against our authorities, when no residents got hurt, deserves condemnation from all who support peace,” said Kamil, who is also Anwar’s political secretary at the Finance Ministry.

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