The luxury Datum Jelatek condominium project in Taman Keramat was met with a group of about 100 local residents yesterday, protesting its construction as they felt it would turn Keramat into a “Chinese district”.
The residents’ protest began peacefully at 11am as they marched towards the construction site, but turned violent when some protesters began tearing down the zinc barrier cordoning off the site. Several protesters also crossed over and trespassed onto the site.
Protesting locals were seen wearing bandannas around their heads with the words “Anak Keramat” (“Children of Keramat”) printed on them, The Malaysian Insider reports.
The protest also saw the participation of members from the Selangor chapter of Malay-Muslim rights group Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa (Perkasa) and the Datum Jelatek Action Committee (BBDJ).
BBDJ chairperson Salleh Ahmad said the protest was a warning to Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali to stop the construction of the condominium project, which he said would allow other races to encroach on the Malay-majority neighbourhood.
“I challenge him (Azmin) to come down and meet me, but he didn’t turn up. If he had, I would have thrown him into the drain,” said Salleh.
“I challenge him to stop this project.”
A local residents’ rep, Ariffin Abu Bakar, told TMI that Azmin should prioritise affordable housing for locals over luxury projects that would allegedly benefit outsiders.
“We are not anti-development, but we want affordable housing to be built and for the anak Keramat to be given priority.
“Where is the proof that this project is 100% Bumiputera-owned? We can’t wait any longer,” said Ariffin.
Abu Bakar Yahya of Selangor Perkasa urged the Selangor state government to stop provoking the Malay community.
“Stop allowing the Malays to be bullied by other races. We do not hate other races, but the Chinese and the Indians should not challenge the Malays,” he said.
The protest was dispersed peacefully by police officers soon after local residents turned violent.
