Malaysian sports officials hope the recent High Court’s decision to allow the transfer of the ‘Duta enclave’ land to the liquidator of Semantan Estate, will not affect the status of the Tun Razak Hockey Stadium and the Jalan Duta Squash Centre.
Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia’s director of coaching, Major (Rtd) S. Maniam, said while the government plans to appeal the decision and apply for a stay of execution on the High Court’s decision, he hopes the facilities will be preserved.
“I don’t know what will happen to the squash courts if the government loses its appeal, but I hope the land owners find it in their hearts to spare the sporting venues,” he said.
Maniam added that the Jalan Duta courts witnessed the rise of legendary wall bashers such as Datuk Nicol David, Ong Beng Hee, Azlan Iskandar, and Sharon Wee.
“The courts are part of Malaysian squash history. We hosted many international tournaments. Several world champions have played in Jalan Duta. It is an iconic venue, worthy of being preserved.”
Maniam added that the national teams were currently using the Jalan Duta courts as their training base, as the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil is closed.
“The National Squash Centre is undergoing major renovations. It was built for the 1998 Commonwealth Games, and needs an upgrade,” said Maniam.
“However, the repairs started last October. We are unlikely to move back there until early 2025. The Squash Racquets Association of Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur is also based in Jalan Duta.”
Maniam suggested the landowners consider privatising the tennis, squash, and badminton venues.
“Make use of the existing facilities, or even upgrade them, or turn the area into a ‘green lung’ to promote healthy living,” said Maniam.
“It could be another revenue stream for them and at the same time, turn Jalan Duta into another ‘sporting city’.”
On Wednesday, Kuala Lumpur High Court judge, Datuk Ahmad Shahrir Mohd Salleh, allowed the application by the liquidator of Semantan Estate Sdn Bhd, for the 106.54ha of land in Mukim Batu – known as the ‘Duta enclave’ to be transferred back to the company.
The land currently houses various government complexes and facilities, including the two iconic sporting venues, the National Tennis Centre, the Kuala Lumpur Syariah Court, the government complex building along Jalan Duta (the Inland Revenue Board building) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Academy, among others.
In 1956, the government acquired the land for RM1.32 million under the then Land Acquisition Enactment, to develop the area into a diplomatic enclave. However, in 2009, the High Court ruled that the government had trespassed on the land. The 2009 High Court’s decision was upheld in 2012 by both the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court.
The Malaysian government had tried to review the 2012 decision. However, in Nov 2018 the Federal Court dismissed the government’s application.
Malaysian Hockey Confederation president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said the Tun Abdul Razak Stadium was the home venue for many teams at the start of the Malaysia Hockey League and Malaysia Junior Hockey League.
It also hosted several Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournaments, once among hockey’s premier invitational competitions.
“It is a place steeped in history. Some of our best players have graced the turf,” said Subahan.
“I don’t want to jump the gun, as there is still a long process before the case ends. However, turning Jalan Duta into a Sports City is a great idea, and whoever is in charge should consider building a hotel. That would make it easier to host events there.”
Subahan also said that the Malaysian Stadium Corporation, which runs the sporting venues, had indicated that it planned to upgrade the facilities.
“There are many memories attached to the Tun Razak Stadium, and I would like to honour its name by hosting more tournaments there,” said Subahan.
“Be it the government, or private landowners, having a Sports City in Jalan Duta will generate income,” he added.
