Proposed Urban Redevelopment Act won't diminish Malays, MP assures

Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has dismissed a PAS leader’s claims that the proposed Urban Redevelopment Act (URA) would sideline Malays and reduce their political power.

The DAP lawmaker described the accusation as baseless, clarifying that the Act’s primary goal is to tackle urban development challenges and enhance the living standards of all Malaysians, irrespective of ethnicity.

“As of 2023, 77 percent of Malaysians live in urban areas, including a significant portion of the Malay community.

“The URA aims to modernise urban areas and provide affordable housing, benefiting Malay and bumiputera residents, who make up 62.6 percent of the urban population.

“The Act focuses on improving urban infrastructure and quality of life, rather than altering the demographic composition,” Lim (above) said in a statement today.

On Saturday, PAS treasurer Iskandar Abdul Samad expressed concerns about the Act, which is nearing its final stage before being tabled in Parliament.

He alleged a hidden agenda behind the draft law, which was led by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming from DAP.

Calling the Act a political tool, Iskandar cited the example of redeveloping a 500-unit Malay-majority settlement into a 2,000-unit housing project.

While the original Malay residents would be rehoused, the additional 1,500 units would be allocated to various ethnic groups, changing the area's demographic.

He claimed that previous governments concentrated Malays in certain areas by offering affordable housing under RM100,000, but the administration now is reversing this by building homes priced over RM500,000, which most Malays cannot afford.

Reasonable home pricing

Contrary to Iskandar’s claims, Lim explained that the Act aims to increase affordable housing.

“Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, the federal government is committed to building 500,000 affordable housing units by 2025. The median house price, around RM300,000, is within reach for most Malays, easing concerns about homeownership difficulties.

“The recently introduced Madani housing scheme in Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur, by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, offers 800sqft homes at RM200,000, further demonstrating the government’s efforts to support the B40 group in obtaining affordable housing,” he said.

In March, Nga announced that the Act was in its final stages, following extensive consultations with stakeholders, including Kuala Lumpur City Hall.

He noted that the law would attract significant investment once approved, transforming the city skyline and generating hundreds of billions in gross development value.

Lim reiterated his stance, saying the Act would benefit all Malaysians, with a particular focus on the urban poor while ensuring equitable opportunities for the bumiputera population.

“Its primary objectives are to increase housing availability, stimulate economic growth, and ensure inclusivity without compromising the rights of any ethnic group.

“The URA will promote national unity and economic development, ensuring that the bumiputera population also benefits equitably,” he concluded.

'Proposed Urban Redevelopment Act will make Malays lose political power'

'Tyranny of majority' in proposed urban renewal bill, warns PAS

Govt in final stage of drafting first Urban Redevelopment Act

Nga: Govt to introduce new public housing model