KUALA LUMPUR: The Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap) will convene the inaugural Insap Urban Affairs Policy Summit 2025 to address widespread concerns over the proposed Urban Renewal Act. Themed "Reviewing the URA: Towards better quality living for all Malaysians", the summit is scheduled to take place on Saturday (Sept 27) at Wisma MCA here.
The half-day event aims to bring together 100 to 150 key stakeholders, including think tanks, professional associations, residents' groups and policymakers. It will serve as a crucial platform for dialogue and the formulation of policy recommendations before Parliament reconvenes in October.
The summit is organised in response to the proposed law that has sparked significant backlash from civil society and professional bodies. Critics argue that its provisions, such as lowering the consent threshold from 100% for redevelopment projects and expanding ministerial discretion, could jeopardise property rights as protected under Article 13 of the Federal Constitution. There are growing fears that the current framework may lead to the displacement of vulnerable communities and lacks sufficient checks and balances.
The summit will focus on consolidating stakeholder concerns, developing concrete policy alternatives, and promoting public awareness regarding the proposed law's far-reaching implications.
The summit's agenda will be anchored by three thematic panel discussions:
1. The URA in focus – Provisions and implications: A technical appraisal of the proposed law's key clauses from the perspective of architects, surveyors, valuers and developers.
2. Law, land and federal-state boundaries: Examination of the proposed law's constitutional implications and its overlap with existing land and planning laws by legal experts and public policy advisors.
3. Urban renewal and society – who gains, who pays: Critical discussion on the proposed law's potential social and economic impacts, including housing affordability, gentrification and sustainability, while also exploring community-centric models and integration.
By facilitating this multi-stakeholder dialogue, Insap aims to foster a rights-based, community-driven approach to urban renewal that balances economic objectives with social equity, placing people at the core of Malaysia's urban development.
The event will be held from 12.30pm to 5.30pm on Saturday (Sept 27). To participate, please register at bit.ly/INSAP-UAPS.
