He said the matter was still in the process of negotiation.

He urged a group of residents against the land acquisition process not to be influenced by those who just want to take advantage of the issue by pretending to be ”heroes”.

“I may be challenged by other parties but go ahead, challenge me. I have no problem as I am still on the side of the landowners.

“There is no need to look for others (to help) because we in the government will make the decision.

“But if other people want to be heroes, that is up to them,” he told reporters.

The Kampong Bharu Development Corporation said owners of a total of 291 lots (27 terrace lots and 264 flat units), representing 88.72% of all residents, had agreed to the redevelopment project.

At the same time, the developer continues to meet and hold engagement sessions with the owners of 37 terrace house lots who have voiced their disagreement.

Umno and unity of the ummah

When asked about fears of a rift in Umno following the removal of Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman from the Umno Supreme Council, Shahidan hoped party leaders would pay more attention to the unification of the ummah.

Shahidan, a former Perlis Umno chief, said the dismissal should not have happened.

“I believe that Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also wants to leave a legacy with a united ummah,” he said.

He said if the party was divided, it might lose at the next general election. “We need to win,” he said.