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PETALING JAYA: The new Selangor state government should abandon the
zero–squatter policy practised by the previous state administration, said the
Bar Council.
Bar Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan said the policy was "flawed and an
unmitigated disaster from the high–handed manner in which the forced evictions
were carried out".
In a statement, she said the Bar Council was concerned with Mentri Besar Tan Sri
Khalid Ibrahim's announcement that he would continue on the path embarked by his
predecessor to eradicate all squatter settlements in Selangor.
"The inhumane treatment and the failure to address the basic housing needs of
the poor and marginalised is of great concern.
"Rather than support such a policy, the state government should abandon it and
make an open declaration that it will desist from using the draconian Essential
(Clearance of Squatters) Regulations promulgated under the Emergency Ordinance,"
she said.
Ambiga added that a policy on urban resettlement should include room for
negotiations and the willingness to give these settlers affordable and decent
alternative housing.
On another matter, the Bar Council also voiced their concerns about Khalid's
proposal to impose an additioanal levy on foreign workers, which would be paid
by the employers.
"Such a levy would almost certainly be transferred to the worker by his
employer," said Ambiga.
She also said it was wrong to perceive that a reduction in foreign labour would
result in lower crime and social problems.
"Statistics show that foreigners only account for 2% of the crime in the
country, and while no one will discount that we have our share of social
problems, it is unfair to lay the blame solely on foreign workers," she said.
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Forced evictions not the way, says Bar Council
29 Mar 2008 12:00 am