LETTER | Recently, Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad urged the government to postpone the second and third readings of the Urban Renewal Act (URA) and instead, prioritise the long-awaited Residential Tenancy Act (RTA).

We are in strong agreement with his rakyat-centric stance - one that warrants recognition and support.

In fact, numerous representatives from his party, PKR, have repeatedly voiced concerns over this matter, as have leaders from both the national and local levels of the MCA. They have cautioned that if the URA lowers the approval threshold for redevelopment projects without due consideration, this could well lead to disputes down the line.

Civil society and resident associations have also expressed unease, worrying that the Act could be used to promote excessively dense development, all while meaningful engagement with affected stakeholders remains lacking.

Rushing the URA through before the RTA is in place seems unwise. The latter is essential for regulating the relationship between landlords and tenants and safeguarding the rights of both parties.

The former, on the other hand, will shape the future structure and direction of our urban landscape. Its impacts will be profound and potentially irreversible if enacted without due care.

Urban redevelopment ought not to be reduced to mere legal technicalities or developers’ bottom lines. It must take into account the well-being and dignity of residents.

The government should adopt a prudent and inclusive approach - one that fosters broader dialogue and ensures all voices across society are not only heard, but meaningfully considered.

The government should not proceed with the second and third readings of the URA this Wednesday. Instead, it should pause the process until all outstanding concerns have been thoroughly addressed.

Moreover, at least five critical questions that require clear answers remain:

1. Who protects minority homeowners if approval thresholds are lowered?

2. Who ensures infrastructure and services keep pace with increased density?

3. Will residents’ voices be meaningfully included, or is this redevelopment for a select few?

4. Without the RTA, will tenants be left vulnerable?

5. Is the government prepared for the consequences of rushing such far-reaching legislation?

We must ask: whose interests come first? Is the government listening to its citizens, or heeding developers? True progress cannot be rushed. Citizens must come first.

The writer is MCA deputy president.

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