LETTER | I refer to the Malaysiakini report Pulau Kukup to remain a national park - Johor MB.

The much-awaited response by the Johor menteri besar (MB) at the Johor state assembly comes as a major disappointment, for three main reasons.

While the MB said that Pulau Kukup will keep its "status" as a national park, he did not specifically state that the island will be re-gazetted under the National Parks (Johor) Corporation Enactment 1989.

There is a huge difference between perceived status and actual legal status.

If it is not re-gazetted, the management authority will have no legal jurisdiction to enforce the law in the "national park".

The MB also did not state his stand on the fact that the island has (presumably) already been added to the schedule of the Sultanate Lands Enactment 1934.

This makes the island the private property of the Ruler in Council, thereby giving him almost total control over the sale, lease and development of the island.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.