Demolish Raja of Pandamaran's Palace?

Some of the residents of Kampung Idaman, Pandamaran criticised the Selangor state government for double standards in not demolishing the illegally erected palatial mansion of Zakaria Deros, a Port Klang assemblyperson, when it had demolished numerous squatter houses in the area for the same reason of unauthorised construction.

They naturally asked why is the illegal construction by Zakaria Deros tolerated by the so-called law with just a mere measly RM24,000 fine while their only roofs over their heads were smashed to shreds?

Teng Chang Khim, assemblyperson for Port Klang (DAP – Sg Pinang) added on the pressure by stating that the law requires Zakaria’s illegal mansion to be torn down. He stated that nothing short of that is acceptable.

Teng, a practising lawyer, said the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1976 clearly stipulates that local authorities, in this case Klang Municipal Council (MPK), must demolish the building should Zakaria fail to do so.

Teng claimed that Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo was attempting to pull the wool over the public's eyes with the suggestion that the matter was closed with just a fine. But Teng said the fine was not good enough. He accused Toyo of trying to protect the illegally constructed property of the powerful and influential Zakaria.

Teng said: “The MPK president (Abdul Bakir Zin) argued that the building would not be demolished because it was 80 percent completed. This is a big lie, because according to the act, no one can erect a building without written consent from the local authorities.”

Well, those squatters’ huts were 100% completed. Why then were theirs demolished?

Former Kajang assemblyperson Dr Shafie Abu Bakar (PAS) told the crowd that earlier this morning, he had helped himself to a ‘tour’ of the mansion and found that it had at least 17 rooms. He sniped: “It is a palace ... for the ‘king’ of Pandamaran.”