AsamLaksa’s Kampung Buah Pala Proposal

By AsamLaksa

I, AsamLaksa son of Penang Laksa, would like to propose the following suggestions to be taken into consideration in line with the spirit of finding a solution to the problems facing the residents of Kampung Buah Pala. I propose a new strategy. 

1. Establishment of Kampung Buah Pala Heritage Committee to oversee and undertake steps to create and secure the historical and cultural significance of the locality for future generations. Projects should include a museum on colonial plantation with the focus on the Brown family.  

2. Seek state and national legislation which may provide relief from development at Kampung Buah Pala with the aim of preserving and promoting historical and cultural heritage.  

3. Seek support for protection from development at Kampung Buah Pala in light of historical and cultural significance. It would help if the Committee existed and has a proposal to develop the site for potential tourist revenue.  

4. If there is no state legislation protecting contentious land in light of potential historical and cultural heritage, why not? A system for careful study needs to be created. Also note that if Kampung Buah Pala is deemed not to have historical and cultural value worth preserving, then there is no claim.  

The strategy requires that the stakeholders in the current dispute take more active lateral actions to show a reasonable reason for preserving and developing Kampung Buah Pala. If the fight is solely about eviction of local residents then sadly the case has been settled in the Federal courts and in most cases developer wins because they have the land title. As to state acquisition of the land, you would do better to convince everyone as to the overwhelming benefit of such an act as to cover ‘public interest’ in a wider sense. If things look difficult, I suggest working with social groups or even with local state leaders (they want your vote). As some guy used to say, God helps those who help themselves. There’s more than one way to serve nutmeg. Use whatever delay tactics out there to win more ground.  

Disclaimer: I am not a legal expert and not a resident of Kampung Buah Pala. The above should not be taken literally as the spirit of the suggestion is more important than the exact implementation. I will not take direct action mainly because due to my overly sour past and that I am not stakeholder.