By Mr. & Mrs Foo S.L. WE refer to your report “Squatters Defend Right to Build Sheds” (DE 15th Jan 2017).
The above statement is a contradiction in itself. Squatters do not have any legal rights to the land they occupy.
How do they get the blessings of the authorities (presumably DBKK) to build car sheds on land they actually occupy illegally?
The squatter Dai Wod Wah had given direct evidence, not circumstantial, by claiming that:
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1. The squatters there “have the blessings from the authorities to occupy State land.”
2. “They were allowed to stay on the land on condition that they cannot build additional houses and must ensure no presence of illegal immigrants.”
These are very serious public claims that the authorities (DBKK and Land Office) are involved in an illegal act!
These authorities must clear their name, perhaps by calling in the Police to investigate these claims?
It is made more serious as there is actually an existing Court Order against occupation of the road reserve in this area off Jalan Asrama of Signal Hill. Court Case BKI-89-15/10.2012 refers.
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However, if the authorities support the squatters’ claims, then they must quote the source of their authority to grant such powers.
It is a most worrying sign when squatters can openly state that they have the right to occupy and build on State Land and that this is sanctioned. This is even more astounding as the land in question is located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu city.
This matter is of public interest. Public trust in the authorities, and by extension, to the Chief Minister and the government of Sabah has to be maintained. Reputation and credibility of the authorities are at stake.
Silence and failure to act satisfactorily will be very damaging. Otherwise it will make a mockery of the legal system.
It must also be noted that these squatters have built houses on road reserve, causing hardship and denying legal access to a total of 8 legal land owners.
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Authorities’ responsibilities should first be to law abiding taxpayers who pay their salaries.