KUALA LUMPUR: The government is considering to amend the Land Acquisition Act 1960 to defend the rights of the nation and for public interest, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said this was in response to the High Court decision on Oct 23 for the government to return 106.54 hectares of land near Jalan Duta, which houses several government complexes, to Semantan Estate (1952) Sdn Bhd.
However, Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat that the amendment could not go against Article 13 of the Federal Constitution, and it should done with respect to individual rights
"We are preparing the bill, but it has not been decided by the cabinet, it's still with the Attorney-General's Chambers.
"I think that if it's necessary, there must be amendments to the act to resolve other issues arising (with land) in the future.
"We will continue with fair compensation (to Semantan Estate), of course it would not be just RM1.4 million, and I guarantee that it will be fair. But do not take it lightly and assume that we can get huge gains from government projects made for the people."
He said this during the Prime Minister's Question Time in response to Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Baru), who asked about the government's steps to resolve the Duta Enclave fiasco.
Currently, the Federal Territory Mosque, a hockey stadium, the Tun Razak Tennis Centre and other government buildings have been built in the affected land area.
Anwar said the government would appeal the High Court decision.
"Not one inch of the land was built for private use, it is all for public benefit," he added.
He said in 1956, former prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein decided that the area would be used to build a government complex.
"But the company was not satisfied and continued to appeal. The court initially did not allow it, but the company continued with their appeals since 2003 and 2006."
In a supplementary question, Takiyuddin also asked about the government's follow-up actions after the previous administration allocated RM5 billion to resolve the matter.
To this, Anwar said the negotiation process had not been successful.
"I did not want to refer to the past cabinet's decision, because I feel the amount offered was unreasonable and excessive, and would then set a precedent."
He said there were many lands in Kuala Lumpur and Penang that were taken by the government, but later converted to commercial use.
"Do not be biased here; in this case we are offering a very generous compensation, but what do we do with the thousands of acres of land taken in Penang?
"Many padi fields were taken in the past then converted to commercial use, with prices (of the lands) increased. We must be logical and consistent."
Anwar said negotiations were ongoing, and that the Treasury secretary-general had held two meetings with the company to see whether the undeveloped land could be handed over for development, with the condition that there must be a collaboration with any government-owned company.
He stressed that the government would not easily give in to defeat in the case.
"If we give in easily, I don't think that it would resolve any problems. We must be firm in our principles if the land is taken for public use. Space must be given to the government to negotiate, and we emphasise that this has been a government project since 1956.
"If we compromise on this, then all lands, particularly Malay-owned ones in urban areas, will be open to scrutiny," he said.