Nga tells off PAS for being 'poor in mind' over Urban Renewal Bill

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming today reminded the PAS leadership of a Malay proverb that teaches the importance of knowledge over wealth.

Responding to Kuala Terengganu MP Ahmad Amzad Hashim’s claim that the proposed Urban Renewal Bill will oppress the urban Malays, Nga also advised the PAS leadership to abandon their assabiyah (racial fanatic) attitude.

“I want to urge parliamentarians from PAS, please leave such an asabiyyah attitude.

“As the Malay saying goes, you can be poor in wealth but not poor in mind,” he told reporters in Putrajaya today.

On Sept 4, PAS expressed objections to the bill, and Amzad said three main issues of concern are the violation of property rights, social impact, and violation of existing legislations.

According to Amzad, land ownership rights violations may occur with a proposed reduction on the current need for the government to obtain a 100 percent approval threshold.

‘What is PAS’ intention?’

However, Nga, who is also the Perak DAP chairperson, insisted that it is clear the new bill will be beneficial to everyone.

He added the bill is another paradigm shift for reform or sustainable development.

“That (bill) has no direct connection, especially to the urban poor… take the example of Kampung Baru, (if) there is no act, then new buildings cannot be developed.

“Imagine that the Public Works Department has given recommendations, (every) building has a history where the building is only safe to be occupied for a period of 70 to 80 years.

“When the building is said to be dangerous, does the PAS MP want the residents of the residence to die as a result of the building collapsing?” he asked.

Further, Nga also questioned Amzad’s intention in making such a statement.

“That’s why I want to ask, if that’s true, what is the real intention?

“Why release such racist statements? This is very regrettable and clearly baseless,” he said.

Leave Razman to the cops

Meanwhile, commenting on the inflammatory statement of another PAS leader, Razman Zakaria, Nga expressed full confidence in an ongoing police probe.

“We leave it to the police,” said Nga.

During the rally at Menara Condong Teluk Intan, Perak last Saturday, Razman had said “all those with eyes and skin like us must unite”.

It was after a group of China citizens raised the flag of the republic at the Guan Gong festival at the same location last Thursday.

However, Razman has since denied that he intended to insult any race with the statement and claimed that the media had misinterpreted his words. 

Following the incident, the police launched an investigation into the gathering. Police previously said they also investigated the flying of the China flag at the Guan Gong cultural festival and found the organisers guilty. 

Following the incident, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said that the party stood firm with Razman and others who condemned the incident but did not touch on the racist statements made.

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