Worrying state: Nga showing attendees around during the special urban renewal study tour at the Kuchai Jaya Flats in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition MPs have been taken to task for failing to attend a special study tour in the capital here, organised by the Housing and Local Government Ministry, to provide insights into the Urban Renewal Bill.
Its Minister Nga Kor Ming said he had extended an invitation to all MPs, including those from Perikatan Nasional, but no one from the Opposition bloc turned up for the event yesterday.
"They had promised to show up but when the time came for the expedition, they failed to be here," he told the media, who attended the tour with other MPs.
Perikatan leaders have opposed the law, claiming that it could displace poor urban Malays from their homes.
Expected to be tabled at the next Parliament meeting in June, the Bill is aimed at enhancing the people's quality of life by expediting the process of urban renewal and conservation through lowering the threshold of consent from residents, particularly for buildings that are no longer safe to live in.
Earlier yesterday, the group visited four sites – two currently in a dilapidated state (Sutera Taman Desa Bakti Selayang Flats and Kuchai Jaya Flats), and two that have undergone urban renewal (1Razak Mansion and Residensi Kerinchi).
According to Nga, 79 rounds of engagements were conducted on the Bill in the last two years with various parties including experts, academicians, those in the housing sector and parliamentary special select committees.
"This tour is held to help the 222 MPs gain a deeper understanding of the importance of the Bill and its impact to the public.
"This is the first time the ministry is conducting a special study tour together with MPs and members of the media to directly observe and check rundown urban areas.
"It provides an opportunity for MPs to go on the ground and assess the condition of homes that are not only in a state of disrepair, but are also no longer fit for people to live in," he said.
Nga also warned the Opposition not to try and stop the government's efforts to improve the people's lives.
He added that the Attorney General's Chambers is finalising the draft of the Bill.
"Once it is cleared, we will proceed with the first, second and third readings in Parliament.
"Every piece of feedback aimed at strengthening the Act has been carefully considered and incorporated into the Bill," he said.
