Sultan Abdullah: Redevelop city in line with interests of Malays
THE STAR
Sunday, 02 Feb 2020
An aerial view of Kampung Baru. - NORAFIFI EHSAN / The Star.
PUTRAJAYA: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has decreed that Kampung Baru, an icon in Kuala Lumpur, be redeveloped in line with the city’s rapid progress by taking into account the rights and interests of the Malays.
In his royal address during the investiture ceremony at Istana Melawati here in conjunction with the Federal Territory Day celebration, His Majesty said the Federal Government was currently working to redevelop Kampung Baru through a carefully drafted development plan.
His Majesty expressed hope that the redevelopment could be realised by taking into account the rights and interests of the Malays due to the fact that Kampung Baru symbolised their settlement in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
He said he had been informed that Kampung Baru’s redevelopment was aimed at empowering the Malays in Kuala Lumpur.
“Through this redevelopment effort, land titles will remain in the hands of the Malays. The architectural heritage and culture will continue and be strengthened, ” said His Majesty.
Sultan Abdullah also expressed his happiness and appreciation for the government’s efforts and commitment in developing the Federal Territory.
“Various activities and initiatives continuously implemented by the Federal Territories Ministry and aimed at safeguarding the people’s welfare, reducing the cost of living and improving the standard of living, are benefiting various target groups, especially those of the low-income (B40) group, ” he said.
Among the initiatives seen to have a direct impact on the people were the Go-KL free city bus service and home ownership for the underprivileged (comprising those eligible to receive tithes or zakat), as well as accommodation at affordable rates for single individuals from the B40 group who faced difficulties renting a room in Kuala Lumpur, said the King.
“We hope that the initiatives and programmes implemented by the government will be enjoyed by all in the Federal Territory, regardless of race or religion, ” added the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Sports development, said Sultan Abdullah, should also not be overlooked because it was a great platform to bring together people of all races and religions while also enabling them to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
“I hope that sports programmes in the Federal Territory will continue to be strengthened and that more athletes from the Federal Territory can be produced to raise the name of the country at the international level, ” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad.
A total of 188 individuals were conferred awards and medals during the ceremony.
His Majesty also reminded the award recipients to look after their integrity and good name to maintain the honour of the awards received. — Bernama
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