Quit Grandstanding Over Kampung Baru Land Debacle Johari Tells Khalid

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Ex-Titiwangsa MP Johari Ghani says former federal territories minister Khalid Samad appears not to know the difference between ‘approved by Cabinet’ and ‘informed the Cabinet’.PETALING JAYA: Khalid Samad’s explanation in relation to his offer of RM1,000psf to acquire a plot of land in Kampung Baru proves that the figure was never approved by the Cabinet, says Johari Ghani, based on the former federal territories minister’s comments to the press yesterday.
Responding to Johari’s query as to whether the offer had the approval of Cabinet, Khalid told Utusan Malaysia yesterday that it had been reported to former prime minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and the Cabinet.
Reacting to that response, Johari told FMT the answer clearly shows that Khalid had only informed the prime minister and his Cabinet of the offer.
“Khalid appears not to know the difference between ‘approved by Cabinet’ and ‘informed the Cabinet’,” said Johari.
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“‘Informed’ does not mean ‘approved’. A provision of RM10 billion to buy Kampung Baru land is not an inconsequential sum,” he said.
“It is irresponsible for a minister to make such a significant commitment without the Cabinet’s prior approval. Is this the quality of governance that the nation can expect from the PH government and its minister, Khalid Samad?”
Johari said his misgivings about the source of funds to finance the purchase have now been borne out, after Khalid went on to claim that the PH government could look to Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) for the necessary funds.
Johari said Khalid was being irresponsible by assuming that the funds of government-linked companies (GLICs) were available to finance the project.
“Did Khalid secure the prior agreement of the boards of directors of these GLICs for this venture?” asked Johari, pointing out that these boards were accountable to their respective stakeholders.
“Company funds cannot be spent willy nilly,” he said.
Johari called on Khalid to end his grandstanding on the so-called ‘offer’ after the latter’s admission yesterday.
“Khalid has already admitted that he did not have the cabinet’s approval, and that he had merely informed Mahathir of the matter. He also admitted that he had not secured the commitment of any party to finance the project but was planning to look to the GLICs for funding,” said Johari.
According to Utusan Malaysia, the PH candidate for the Titiwangsa seat also said the venture would only commence if the agreement of all landowners was secured. This is to avoid a similar incident to the one that took place in Kampung Sungai Baru.
In any event, Johari says the condition laid down by Khalid, namely, that all landowners must accept the offer, was unreasonable.
“It is unlikely that they would settle on a common valuation given that the value of each plot of land is premised on its uniqueness, size and location within the area concerned,” he said.
“No approval, no funds and unreasonable conditions. That is why Khalid’s offer was nothing but a brag,” Johari said.
Johari explained that numerous parties have made dubious promises to the people of Kampung Baru. “Therefore we need to look at the issue holistically. Actions taken without deep understanding of land ownership matters and sentiments of the residents will only result in losses for the owners and their beneficiaries in the long term.
“We must ensure that the rights of the people of Kampung Baru are protected from the failures of developers and the false promises of political leaders.” he emphasised. - FMT

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