Ex-DAP leader schools PKR MP over call to return KL to Selangor

A former MP who served in two major seats in Kuala Lumpur has ticked off a PKR MP for his proposal that Kuala Lumpur be merged back with Selangor as a solution for better urban planning in the Klang Valley.

Wee Choo Keong, who was the DAP MP for Bukit Bintang before later being elected as the PKR MP for Wangsa Maju, said Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung should be mindful of the historical circumstances that led to the creation of Kuala Lumpur as a federal territory.

"This young MP chose to ignore the historical development of why the Federal Territories were created and KL was incorporated into FT after the 1969 fiasco, after which Malaysia was never the same again," the former senior DAP leader said, referring to the May 13 racial riots.

"We must also acknowledge the political undertones surrounding his call made at this particular time when the nation is clearly divided!"

Wee said the declaration of Kuala Lumpur as a federal territory was a response to the 1969 riots.

"This move was made to ensure stability and harmony in the nation after certain political parties engaged in street demonstrations following their victories in the general election," he said.

At the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, Lee, a former Pahang state assemblyman who won the Petaling Jaya federal seat in last year's polls, argued that making Kuala Lumpur part of Selangor again was better for urban planning.

"The return of Kuala Lumpur to Selangor allows our youth to exercise a second vote to choose their representatives," he said.

Wee cautioned for "utmost sensitivity and consideration for historical context" in any discussions on the change of boundaries.

"It is vital that such matters are not exploited for political gain but are approached in a manner that respects the reasons behind the establishment of FT.

"We must, as a nation, be committed to upholding the principles of democracy and historical understanding in all matters concerning our nation's developments for the sake of our future generations and well-being."

Kuala Lumpur, a 240-sq-km enclave that was once the state capital of Selangor, was ceded to the federal government in 1974, becoming the first to be granted city status in the country.