KUALA LUMPUR: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming (pic) has slammed Opposition MPs for failing to attend the special study tour in the capital on Tuesday (April 29) aimed at giving some insights into the importance of the Urban Renewal Bill (URB).
Nga said he had extended the invitation to all Opposition MPs but none of them had turned up.
The visit, involving four sites, namely, Flat Sutera Taman Desa Bakti Selayang, Flat Kuchai Jaya, 1Razak Mansion, and Residensi Kerinchi, was organised to help MPs understand the significance of the bill and its impact on the people, especially those impacting the urban poor.
"Initially they promised to turn up but in the end when the time for the expedition tour comes, they fail to be here," he told press conference at the URA Expedition with MPs, here on Tuesday.
According to the minister, a total of 79 rounds of consultation were conducted in the last two years, with various parties including experts, academicians, parliamentary select committees, among others.
"I would like to record my utmost regret at their failure to be here.
"This tour is held to help MPs gain a deeper understanding of the importance (of URB) and its impact on the public, particularly in supporting the Madani government’s agenda to improve the quality of life for the people.
"This is the first time the Ministry is conducting a special study tour together with MPs and members of the media to observe directly.
"It provides an opportunity for MPs to go to the ground and personally assess the condition of homes that are not only in a state of disrepair, but also no longer fit for them to stay," he said.
