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THE current government should not be blamed for the Kampung Sungai Baru redevelopment controversy, as the dispute stems from decisions made under the previous administration in 2021, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s political secretary, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim.
Speaking after launching the Karnival Kita Anak Malaysia (KAMI) 2025 in Meru, Klang, Kamil clarified that the present government is not involved in the ongoing eviction of residents, which is being executed under a court order by the developer.
“This is no longer a government action — it is a legal process. To claim the government has failed is misleading and irresponsible,” he said. “This issue began under the leadership of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. At the time, Pas, Bersatu and Barisan Nasional were all part of the ruling coalition.”
He added that the current administration merely facilitates regulatory processes, while all negotiations with residents must now be carried out directly with the developer.
On 12 September, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, similarly stated that the government is not a party to the eviction and that its role is limited to matters involving local development and administration.
Kamil also criticised certain political leaders for exploiting the situation to stir anti-government sentiment, warning that such narratives could provoke unrest.
“To politicise this matter and incite hatred, especially among the Malay community, is dangerous,” he said. “There are even individuals who have threatened the Prime Minister’s life — this is the kind of extremist politics that must be rejected.”
The dispute, which began with redevelopment plans as early as 2016, escalated when a minority group of residents opposed the joint venture agreement and compensation terms offered by the developer. Although most agreed to relocate, several have refused to vacate the area, halting progress.
On Thursday, the conflict reached a boiling point when Dang Wangi police chief Assistant Commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman was injured in a scuffle during a court-ordered demolition operation in the area.
Kamil urged all parties to uphold peace and avoid exploiting the situation for political gain.
“We must not allow anyone to sow racial or religious division in times of crisis,” he said.
Matriculation Programme Should Be Improved, Not Abolished
On a separate issue, Muhammad Kamil, who also heads PKR Youth (Angkatan Muda Keadilan), reiterated that Malaysia’s matriculation programme should be retained and improved, rather than scrapped.
“There’s no need to abolish it. Just like STPM has its role, matriculation serves a purpose in our education system. If improvements are needed, they can be made in line with current demands,” he said.
His comments followed calls by student group UMANY (University of Malaya Association of New Youth) to abolish matriculation and use STPM as the sole entry qualification for public universities.
UMANY president Tang Yi Ze had argued that STPM’s internationally recognised and rigorous syllabus made it a better standard.
Kamil responded by saying the government is open to constructive suggestions but sees value in maintaining both pathways.
“The government welcomes all feedback, but I believe we must continue with what we have and make necessary enhancements,” he added. - September 13, 2025
