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Malaysiakini
2 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
How can Vivekananda Ashram be zoned as 'main commercial'?
LETTER | I write in support of the article 'Preserve Vivekananda Ashram, the soul of Brickfields' (June 8, 2025). My concern regarding the decision by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to rezone the Vivekananda Ashram as 'main commercial' stems not only from what I have read or researched, but also from personal experience - experiences that reveal how far the ashram's trustees have strayed from its founding principles. This is most evident in their proposal to construct a 23-storey tower over the ashram and their opposition to the building's gazettement as a heritage site. I offer two more moments that stand out vividly in my memory. First, during a 2015 protest organised by concerned citizens under the banner Save Vivekananda Ashram Brickfields, I was explicitly told by an unknown person who claimed to be a member of the ashram that the issue 'had nothing to do with me' - simply because of my racial background. That comment was not only hurtful but deeply ironic. Swami Vivekananda stood for universality, spiritual unity, and inclusion beyond race or identity. To invoke his name while practising exclusion is a betrayal of the very values the ashram is meant to represent. Second, the installation of a boom gate at the ashram's main entrance feels like an act of quiet hostility. Even if intended for traffic control, it signals a shift in posture - from open to closed, from welcoming to wary. As a gazetted heritage site, was this alteration approved by the National Heritage Department? If not, it raises troubling questions about whether the trustees see themselves as stewards or simply as owners. Loud and clear At the core of this issue, I strongly urge DBKL to make a wise and principled decision: rezone the Vivekananda Ashram land as 'public facility', not 'main commercial'. The public has spoken loudly and clearly - 876 formal objections from across communities, near and far. Classifying a spiritual and cultural landmark as commercial is illogical - unless, of course, there are commercial intentions at play. Such a move benefits neither the public interest nor the values the ashram purports to uphold. Worse still, it sets a dangerous precedent where commercial gain overrules principle, even on sacred ground. If DBKL is truly committed to building a 'City for All,' this is the moment to prove it. Why is it so difficult for the authorities to hear the people's plea? Must we wait until all of Kuala Lumpur's cultural heritage is lost, only to mourn over spilt milk? What, then, is the meaning of the 'Warisan KL' initiative that the government so proudly takes ownership of, if it cannot fully guarantee the protection of a living heritage? The success of 'Warisan KL' depends not only on preserving iconic buildings but also on safeguarding living cultural sites like the Vivekananda Ashram - places where heritage is not just displayed but lived. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Media key in shaping perception of gov't initiatives
KUALA LUMPUR: Media practitioners serve as strategic partners to the government, playing a crucial role in building public understanding, fostering unity, and strengthening confidence in the MADANI Government's direction and policies, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Speaking at the 2025 Semarak Aidilfitri Gathering with Media Partners here last night, Dr Zaliha emphasised that in an increasingly complex world with boundless information and competition in both the virtual and physical spheres, the role of the media had become even more significant. 'Every report, article, or broadcast across any platform shapes public perception of the policies and agendas we implement. 'Therefore, I see all of you not merely as third-party observers but as active contributors in shaping public understanding, nurturing unity, and reinforcing trust in the MADANI Government's vision and actions today,' she said. Also present was Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. Citing recent initiatives such as preserving Kuala Lumpur's heritage through Warisan KL, developing Labuan as a smart island, and enhancing Putrajaya as a smart city, Dr Zaliha stressed that public comprehension of these efforts depended largely on how the media framed and communicated them. She acknowledged that in today's post-truth communication landscape, the government faced significant challenges, as misinformation and disinformation could distort narratives and create confusion among the public. 'For instance, in this era of artificial intelligence (AI), some have been swayed by narratives claiming the Malay community is being marginalised in urban redevelopment projects. 'I would like to stress that these redevelopment projects are in-situ. For instance, in Kampung Sungai Baru, nearly 70 per cent of the residents who agreed to the project are Malays, and they will be resettled on their own land,' she said. Dr Zaliha also urged media professionals to collaborate in addressing legacy issues, including the development of Kampung Sungai Baru and the revitalisation of Pasar Datuk Keramat.
The Star
28-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Media key in shaping perception of gov't initiatives, says Dr Zaliha
KUALA LUMPUR: Media practitioners serve as strategic partners to the government, playing a crucial role in building public understanding, fostering unity, and strengthening confidence in the government's direction and policies, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa (pic). Speaking at the 2025 Semarak Aidilfitri Gathering with Media Partners here tonight, Dr Zaliha emphasised that in an increasingly complex world with boundless information and competition in both the virtual and physical spheres, the role of the media had become even more significant. "Every report, article, or broadcast across any platform shapes public perception of the policies and agendas we implement. "Therefore, I see all of you not merely as third-party observers but as active contributors in shaping public understanding, nurturing unity, and reinforcing trust in the government's vision and actions today," she said. Also present was Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. Citing recent initiatives such as preserving Kuala Lumpur's heritage through Warisan KL, developing Labuan as a smart island, and enhancing Putrajaya as a smart city, Dr Zaliha stressed that public comprehension of these efforts depended largely on how the media framed and communicated them. She acknowledged that in today's post-truth communication landscape, the government faced significant challenges, as misinformation and disinformation could distort narratives and create confusion among the public. "For instance, in this era of artificial intelligence (AI), some have been swayed by narratives claiming the Malay community is being marginalised in urban redevelopment projects. "I would like to stress that these redevelopment projects are in-situ. For instance, in Kampung Sungai Baru, nearly 70% of the residents who agreed to the project are Malays, and they will be resettled on their own land," she said. Dr Zaliha also urged media professionals to collaborate in addressing legacy issues, including the development of Kampung Sungai Baru and the revitalisation of Pasar Datuk Keramat. - Bernama
Barnama
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Media Key In Shaping Perception Of Gov't Initiatives
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) – Media practitioners serve as strategic partners to the government, playing a crucial role in building public understanding, fostering unity, and strengthening confidence in the MADANI Government's direction and policies, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Speaking at the 2025 Semarak Aidilfitri Gathering with Media Partners here tonight, Dr Zaliha emphasised that in an increasingly complex world with boundless information and competition in both the virtual and physical spheres, the role of the media had become even more significant. "Every report, article, or broadcast across any platform shapes public perception of the policies and agendas we implement. "Therefore, I see all of you not merely as third-party observers but as active contributors in shaping public understanding, nurturing unity, and reinforcing trust in the MADANI Government's vision and actions today,' she said. Also present was Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. Citing recent initiatives such as preserving Kuala Lumpur's heritage through Warisan KL, developing Labuan as a smart island, and enhancing Putrajaya as a smart city, Dr Zaliha stressed that public comprehension of these efforts depended largely on how the media framed and communicated them. She acknowledged that in today's post-truth communication landscape, the government faced significant challenges, as misinformation and disinformation could distort narratives and create confusion among the public. "For instance, in this era of artificial intelligence (AI), some have been swayed by narratives claiming the Malay community is being marginalised in urban redevelopment projects. 'I would like to stress that these redevelopment projects are in-situ. For instance, in Kampung Sungai Baru, nearly 70 per cent of the residents who agreed to the project are Malays, and they will be resettled on their own land,' she said.
The Star
26-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘KL not just a city of skyscrapers'
PM: Initiative will make capital ultra-modern while honouring its historical roots KUALA LUMPUR: The Warisan KL Initiative is an effort to develop the national capital into a city embracing modernity while honouring its historical roots, says the Prime Minister. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Kuala Lumpur should reflect its legacy and not merely be a city of skyscrapers. 'A city must be fresh with interesting and attractive physical features that align with technological advancement and changes in times. 'It must also remain deeply rooted in tradition and culture,' he said when officiating the Warisan KL initiative at Menara DBKL yesterday. Under the 'Warisan KL: Warisan Ibu Kota Malaysia Madani' initiative, KL will be revitalised through physical upgrades, cultural preservation, historical conservation and strengthened community values. The project, a public-private effort led by DBKL and ThinkCity, aims to position KL through 10 flagship pilot projects as a globally recognised creative city that is inclusive, connected and reflective of Malaysia's identity. Our future: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif after launching the Warisan KL initiative at Menara DBKL. — Photo from Anwar Ibrahim's Facebook Anwar said the heritage effort must ensure public comfort, green spaces, safety, scenic open fields and access for walking and cycling. 'This is our vision of a modern, new city – not for any particular class, but to serve the needs of all,' he declared. He said cities cannot just be all about big development projects, adding that it should also be about maintaining cleanliness. 'I want small but clean stalls which abide by strict regulations. That is why urban planning must be direct and thorough. 'It has to centre on the needs of a modern country while not sidelining the people,' he added. Anwar said there was no issue with promoting luxury hotels or restaurants, but added that it was equally important 'not to marginalise the 80% of Malaysians who rely on street food and small eateries'. 'That is why I emphasised to DBKL that small establishments, including stalls and warung that are clean and comply with regulations, be upgraded,' he added. Anwar also reiterated that the government's move to introduce the Urban Renewal Act was rooted in the need to provide better living conditions for Malaysians long trapped in dilapidated housing. He said the legal status of land involved in the urban renewal projects will remain unchanged, regardless of whether it is privately owned, under state authority or located on Malay reserve land. 'There are people living in public housing flats that are over 50 years old, in overcrowded, uncomfortable conditions, plagued by serious social and disciplinary issues, all due to prolonged pressure and neglect. 'That is why it is our responsibility to focus on these areas and rebuild the housing. 'Unfortunately, this initiative is being politicised and falsely portrayed as an attempt to steal Malay land or as part of a so-called Chinese agenda to displace Malays from the city,' he added. Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
