KHALID: GIVE CITY HALL PLAN A CHANCE

We will continue engaging with stakeholders on relocation issue, says FT minister

KHALID Abdul Samad said he is open to suggestions over the controversial relocation of the Ramadan bazaar along Jalan Raja and assured engagement with relevant parties over the matter will continue.

However, the federal territories minister urged all quarters to allow Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to execute its plans to retain the bazaar in the heritage area of Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Dataran Merdeka.

Over the past week, the move to relocate the bazaar from its current site along Lorong Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman was rebuked by several non-governmental organisations (NGOs), citing the possibility of eroding the heritage area’s historical identity and cleanliness.

“If we are to follow the argument that it (bazaar) will pollute (dirty) the heritage building (Sultan Abdul Samad Building),

breaking of fast events too can be turned into an issue.

“But we do not find it to be a problem and I hope everyone will give DBKL a chance to carry out their plans on the bazaar and night market.

“So what has been suggested (by the NGOs) will be taken into account. God willing, we will continue engaging them. We have more than a month (before Ramadan),” Khalid said at the Parliament lobby yesterday.

Asked about public sentiment on the relocation of the bazaar, Khalid said meetings with relevant parties had been held to resolve the issue.

He admitted that the authority did not seek advice from NGOs that championed heritage and cultural interests.

“Many have disagreed, but many others have agreed as well. The fact is all their views have been taken into account by DBKL, which held discussions with relevant parties.

“(But) not with the NGOs and (related) associations. However, we have referred the matter to an officer from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac).

Asked why no meetings were held with NGOs, he said: “Yes, the NGOs have a lot of views, so we refer to the official from Motac. So there is no problem.”

BERNAMA PIC Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad (right) at the launch of the GoKL ‘pink lane’ bus in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. With him are Lembah Pantai member of parliament Fahmi Fadzil (centre) and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan.