The first demolition was on June 28, 1999 where 81 houses were broken.   The second just days ago on August 17, 1999 where 50 over houses that were rebuilt were broken. Today a number of 100 developers' thugs protected by about 50 police personnel and Light Strike Force personnel   led by Acting OCPD ACP Zulkifli broke down the 50 over houses that were  rebuilt by the settlers. The whole  demolition was ILLEGAL. When the  settlers questioned the absence of a court order 7 of them were arrested ie 4 women and 3 men.

   Zulkifli himself requested the developers to produce a court order for the demolition as the developers claim this time round that the land belongs to them. The developers however, could not produce one. Zulkifli said he could not do anything as he had orders from his superior, theChief Police Officer of the state of Selangor to carry on with the demolition.

   The settlers have been up against the police and the developers' thugs for the past few days. All in the hope of protecting their homes. They have tried every possible method of negotiations, meetings with government officials and the Chief Minister but to no avail. Presently, their case is being processed in the Appeals Courts yet the threat to their safety and demolitions of their homes continue.

   The settlers of Sungai Nipah village hope that the following would be adhered to :
 

• The Police Force will conduct themselves in a fair and neutral manner and not abuse their power to the advantage of the developers.
• The Anti Corruption Agency must immediately investigate a report made by the settlers a month ago against OCPD ACP Zulkifli, the developers and the Chief Minister of Selangor.
• All parties should respect the due process of the settlers case at the
• Appeals Courts and restrain from further demolitions.

   The people who have won several battles against the developers the last few days have not given up. They have decided to go in full force to the Police Headquarters and demand for justice. Justice that have been grossly violated by the very bodies that have been entrusted to protect and enforce them.

   Joanna de Rozario
   Urban Resource Unit
   urujdr@pc.jaring.my

Your instant and immediate response to the settlers' appeal  is not only crucial for justice but in the case of the Sungai Nipah villagers will help support their struggle to obtain their homes and a fair deal. You can help by following way :

   1. Call into the relevant agencies to look into the appeals of the  people.
   2. Write and fax to the relevant agencies. A sample letter is given below :

======================Please Cut And Paste===================================

YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad
Prime Minister
Pejabat Perdana Menteri
Jabatan Perdana Menteri
Putrajaya, Selangor
Malaysia
Tel No: 6-03-88888000
Fax No: 6-03-88883430

Dear Sir,

Re: Stop Force Evictions at Sungai Nipah Village, Selangor, Malaysia

It has come to our attention that on Tuesday, August 24, 1999 about 50 houses have been demolished in Kampung Sungai    Nipah, Shah Alam, Malaysia. We are concern as this is the 3rd demolition at the same place that has not followed the due process of law and order. It has come to our understanding that the developers did not have a court order to demolish the houses and yet they were assisted by the Police of Shah Alam to conduct their dubies act. It is also very worrying as the   settlers' case is still pending at the Appeals Courts and these demolitions show a blatant disregard for the courts and their due
process.

As such I support the settlers of Sungai Nipah village in their appeal
of the following :-
 

1. The Police Force especially the Police Force of Shah Alam must conduct themselves in a fair and neutral manner and not abuse their power to the advantage of the developers.
2. The Anti Corruption Agency must immediately investigate a report made by the settlers a month ago against OCPD ACP Zulkifli, the developers and the Chief Minister of Selangor.
3. All parties should respect the due process of the settlers case at the Appeals Courts and restrain from further demolitions.

We urge you to take these appeals with utmost importance and instruct the relevant agencies to stop force evictions, excessive force used during these evictions and the abuse of powers. Instead dialogue should  be initiated with the affected people and  alternative housing jointly agreed with the people should be provided for them.

Your consideration would be much appreciated.

With kindest regards,
(Name Designation Organisation)
 

CC:*Chief Minister of Selangor (Fax No: 6-03-5509686)
      *Inspector General of Police, Bukit aman (Fax No : 6-03-2910707 and 6-03-2980503 Tel No :6-03-22626222 )
      *Chief Police Officer of Selangor, Datuk Haji Abdul Hamid, Pejabat Kontigen Polis (Fax No : 6-03-5501201, Tel No :       6-03-5545052)
      *Anti  Corruption Agency, Investigation Dept (Fax No : 6-03-6514914. Tel No : 6-03-6506160)