Protest in 'Beverly Hills of Malaysia' sparks anti-elitist backlash online

Public anger over rally against high-rise project seen to reflect frustration with elites

- Muzliza Mustafa Malaysia Correspondent

Former minister Khairy Jamaluddin (fourth from far left) and former CIMB Group chairman Nazir Razak (fifth from far left) at a protest against the planned redevelopment of Wisma Damansara into two skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur's elite Bukit Damansara neighbourhood on Oct 4. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

(THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK)

Bukit Damansara or Damansara Heights is one of Kuala Lumpur's most prestigious addresses. Also known as the "Beverly Hills of Malaysia", the affluent and upscale neighbourhood is home to many of the nation's elites. So, when as many as 300 residents led by former minister-turned-political podcaster Khairy Jamaluddin gathered to protest against a proposed high-rise project in their midst, the online backlash was swift.

On Oct 4, Mr Khairy and dozens of other Bukit Damansara residents assembled next to Wisma Damansara to protest against the planned redevelopment of the neglected building on Jalan Semantan into two 60-storey towers.

Wisma Damansara, built in 1970, was the first commercial office building in the Bukit Damansara area and, at one point, housed several UN agencies.

"For the past 30 years, we have been willing to share Bukit Damansara with others... but there must be limits," Mr Khairy said.

While noting the need for development, the longtime resident of Bukit Damansara said its suburban character must be preserved.

"Can you imagine the pressure on Jalan Semantan, already a choke point for traffic? I want to ask if DBKL (Kuala Lumpur City Hall) has conducted a proper traffic study for the plot ratio granted to (developer) BRDB. How much can Jalan Semantan realistically handle?" he said during the peaceful "Say No to Skyscrapers" rally.

Public reaction, however, was far from sympathetic.