The successful resolution of the Bukit Kiara longhouse dispute shows how lawful channels can uphold urban poor rights, says PM Anwar.
KUALA LUMPUR: The resolution of the long-standing housing issue involving residents of Bukit Kiara Longhouse demonstrates that the rights of the people, including the urban poor, can be upheld through lawful processes and legal channels, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He described the outcome as a historic milestone, noting that the residents’ success in securing justice after decades of waiting underscored the importance of respecting the rule of law in resolving disputes.
Anwar said the experience of the Bukit Kiara Longhouse residents should serve as a lesson that claims to rights must be pursued through legitimate legal avenues rather than through actions that contravene the law.
“This project may not be large in terms of its physical scale, but its historical significance is immense. Not only in Malaysia, but around the world, urban poor communities living in longhouse settlements often face tremendous challenges when dealing with landowners or developers.
“Historically, they rarely prevail. Alhamdulillah, here they have finally succeeded in defending their rights through the legal process,” he said at the groundbreaking ceremony for the permanent housing development for the Bukit Kiara Longhouse residents, here today.
The Prime Minister said the resolution of the issue also exemplified how a country should be governed – by prioritising the interests of the people, respecting the law and exercising authority responsibly.
“This does not mean that anyone can simply occupy land or establish settlements without following legal procedures. The reality is that this case went through a lengthy legal process, was carefully examined by the courts and took into account all relevant views and considerations,” he said.
Anwar stressed that the government remains committed to respecting judicial processes and cannot interfere in matters that are still before the courts.
He said all issues affecting the residents, including past promises and agreements, were examined thoroughly before a solution was reached through cooperation among various parties.
“I have always emphasised that we must respect the legal process. Before the court reached its decision, I did not interfere because we had to allow the process to run its course.
“However, once a decision was made, I said we must find a fair solution and can no longer ignore the ruling that has been delivered,” he said.
At the same time, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that the MADANI Government would continue to uphold justice for all, regardless of race or social background.
“Whether Malay, Chinese, Indian or any other community, the rights of the people must be protected. We cannot be selective when it comes to justice. Justice does not belong to one group alone; it belongs to everyone entitled to it,” he said.
During the event, the Prime Minister also approved an allocation of RM1 million to help cover maintenance costs for the permanent housing units that Bukit Kiara residents will move into after waiting 44 years for a permanent solution.
He said the funds would be channelled to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to cover maintenance costs for at least three years, easing the financial burden on residents.
Also present at the event were the Prime Minister’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail; Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh; Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan; Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar; and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud.
The Bukit Kiara Longhouse housing issue had persisted for more than four decades before legal efforts initiated by residents’ representatives in 2018 eventually led to a solution regarded as more dignified, while preserving Taman Rimba Kiara following earlier development proposals for the area.
