RECENTLY, while having breakfast with a colleague at KLCC Tower 2, he pointed out how the landscape would change with the development of Kampung Baru.
We would see a modern Kampung Baru, he said.
The development of the Malay enclave has never taken off because landowners and the government could not reach a compromise and also because it infringes Malay interests.
Now the government is offering RM850 per sq ft to the landowners and some 85 per cent of landowners have agreed to the price.
I am not against the development of Kampung Baru. It is timely. There are many dilapidated houses and buildings in disrepair.
The question is: what type of development? And how will it affect the landscape?
The proposed development should not be controversial and must benefit the public. It must be in line with our aspiration to be a developed country.
I propose the government turn Kampung Baru into a central park full of trees, streams and a manmade lake like Central Park in Manhattan, New York, and Hyde Park in London.
To become a developed country, our focus should be on sustainable development, raising the happiness index and be people-centric.
Having a park in the centre of Kuala Lumpur will boost its image as a green city.
People who work in the area, especially in the golden triangle, will see the central park as a new attraction for them to exercise and stroll with their families.
The park can boost the government’s image provided that it comes up with a development plan that is people-centric
and sustainable in line with Pakatan Harapan’s election manifesto.
If this materialises, the park will be a significant landmark.
MOHD JAMIZAL ZAINOL
Putrajaya