More than 500 Kuala Lumpur house owners gathered at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) here on Monday to protest against an impending assessment rate hike – a day before the deadline to appeal against the increase.
The protesters, who gathered at DBKL’s headquarters along Jalan Raja Laut and Jalan Tun Perak, were accompanied by Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, Batu MP Tian Chua, Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun, Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar and Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng.
The opposition MPs handed over 20,000 letters of objection from their constituents.
The protesters repeatedly called for the resignation of KL Mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib.
After handing over the letters to DBKL, Tian Chua said the demonstration was held as house owners wanted to voice their opposition to the rate increase.
“We urge DBKL not to impose the rate increase on Jan 1 2014 as planned until a formal hearing can be held,” he said.
Tian Chua said many would not pay the increased assessment rate if it was implemented.
“Under the law there must be a hearing when objection letters are submitted,” said Tian Chua.
Kuala Kerai MP Mohd Hatta Ramil echoed Tian Chua’s sentiments and urged DBKL to consider the welfare of Kuala Lumpur homeowners.
At another press conference held during the protest, Nurul Izzah questioned the rate increase, and called on Ahmad Phesal to be transparent as to the reasons behind the rate increase.
“DBKL and the Mayor must be transparent. They must be accountable to the rakyat. Under the law, they have to accord us a hearing,” she said.-tHESTARONLINE
