UKRC's fate to be known next week

The Malay Mail - 14 April 2008

By Zalinah Noordin

After a long battle, the Ulu Klang Recreation Club (UKRC) will know next week whether they will finally be free of the looming threat of development.

This was the pledge by Hulu Klang State assemblyman Saari Sungib, who said that the Selangor government is expected to come to a decision as early as next week.

RELIEF: Saari (right) handing over a bag of goodies to a resident during his visit

Speaking to the Malay Mail, he said he met Selangor Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, last week to discuss the matter.

"I related to him the plight of the residents. A meeting with the Menteri Besar has been scheduled for next week where a decision is expected to be made. I had pledged to look into the welfare and well-being of the residents here adn that is what I will do," he said.

Several plans to develop the club 1.2ha land were presented in the past, but strong protest from club members and Kuala Ampang residents to save their green lung forced them to be held back.

The club, which was formed in 1958, was first forced into action on April 14, 1994, when its football field was allocated for a primary school and 10 bungalow lots.

Nine years later, the club was again pressed to campaign for their survival when Selangor Economic Development Corporation (PKNS) announced plans to build 80 units of low-cost apartments and 192 units of medium-cost apartments on the land.

They were thrown a lifeline when in August 2003, then Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced that land designated for recreational purposes such as playing fields and multi-purpose halls in residential areas can no longer be developed for other purposes.

Things were once again thrown into disarray when in March 2007, Gombak district officer Abdul Ghani Salleh clarified that the plot of land occupied by UKRC does not belong to the club until the land title is issued to them.

Yesterday, news of the impending announcement over the issue was greeted with relief by club president Andrew Gopal.

"We're glad that someone has stepped in on our behalf. We hope that the outcome will favour the members and the community," he said.

He said the residents had stood their ground on the club's position as UKRC has served them well by providing outlets for recreational activities like sports and a community hall.

Meanwhile, Saari also touched on the proposal that elections should be held to elect councillors for Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ).

He said he had already submitted the names of the possible candidates to the Menteri Besar.

"There shouldn't be any problem where the constitution is concerned as they are appointed to serve the local government," adding that the total number of councillors would be maintained at 24.

The proposal was made following the general election last month. Saari had suggested that MPAJ be given a facelift whereby it should have more non-politicians in order to reduce political influence in the council's administration.

"This time around, professionals and technocrats will make up two-thirds of the MPAJ councillors as we want to serve the people better."

He said the decision is also expected to be made following next week's meeting with Khalid.

IN BAD SHAPE: The leaking ceiling of a resident's house

Earliar, Saari and his wife Aliza Jaffar, 49, had visited poverty-stricken families to donate food items and to take note of the deplorable stateof their homes.

Depending on the state of the homes, they will each receive a maximum of RM5,000 to help repair their homes.

More News..