'Urban Renewal Act subtle method to oust poor Malays, Indians from cities'

Summary

• Opposition MPs say the proposed Urban Renewal Act is a subtle way to push poor Malays and Indians out from urban areas.

• Kubang Kerian MP Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man says no need for new law, as the existing legislation is sufficient.

Opposition MPs have described the proposed Urban Renewal Act (URA) as a subtle tactic to displace poor Malays and Indians from urban areas.

Kubang Kerian MP Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man pointed out that the existing legislation is sufficient.

“There is no need to introduce a new law for development, what is more important is ensuring that urban demographics are not monopolised by a single race.

“Once this Act is passed, the affected areas will be redeveloped. Those who previously bought homes for over RM100,000 will not be able to afford to repurchase them at over RM500,000.

“The minister responded that banks are available to provide loans... so the minister wants capitalists to monopolise the process. This is a subtle method to push out those who cannot afford it, particularly Malays and Indians,” he said at a press conference in Parliament today.

Earlier, a group of NGOs gathered at the entrance of Parliament to submit a memorandum opposing the URA to Perikatan Nasional MPs.

The memorandum, endorsed by 31 Malay NGOs, was handed over by Gerakan Pembela Ummah (Ummah) chairperson Zai Mustafa to opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin.

Not targeting races

The Urban Renewal Act - which has yet to be tabled in Parliament - has been touted as a means to redevelop old housing in cities.

One area it proposes to tackle is the 100 percent consent hurdle for the government to redevelop old strata housing.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming had reportedly suggested that the consent threshold be lowered to 80 percent for buildings under 30 years old, 75 percent for buildings over 30 years old, and 51 percent for unsafe or abandoned properties.

Last October, Nga, in response to criticism from PAS about the bill, denied that it would target any races.

“I urge PAS MPs to abandon such tribalistic attitudes.

“As the Malay proverb says, you may be poor in wealth, but do not be poor in mind,” he had said.

During his press conference today, Tuan Ibrahim said PN MPs would oppose the bill as it could disrupt societal harmony.

He claimed that the amendments were aimed at establishing local council polls, which would ultimately be dominated by a single ethnic group.

“The URA is heading towards establishing local council election that will be monopolised by one race. We will oppose this bill, as its approval will lead to even greater problems,” he added.

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