For the people: Johari (second from left) receiving a memorandum from Chong (second from right) during the URA convention in Kuala Lumpur. With them are MCA Urban Affairs bureau chairman Tan Gim Tuan (left) and Insap director Woon King Chai (right). — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed Urban Renewal Act (URA) must be a government-led law, not by developers, says Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
The Umno vice-president said the widespread concern about the Urban Renewal Bill was due to the perception that the projects would prioritise developers’ profits over the people’s well-being.
“The case of Kampung Sungai Baru, Kuala Lumpur, should have taught us a lesson. The redevelopment project there, which was conducted by a private developer, has failed to prioritise the area’s long-term sustainability as well as the people’s rights, culture and heritage.
“Another case would be the Pekeliling Flats located in Kuala Lumpur. It was demolished for redevelopment 15 years ago, leaving about 220 owners waiting anxiously for the project to be completed – until now.
“These cases send a clear signal that if the proposed URA is not studied carefully, such setbacks would repeat,” he said during the URA convention organised by Umno at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Johari, who heads the party’s special task force on the Bill, said there is no one-size-fits-all solution in urban renewal as every city has its unique characteristics.
“Living in flats, condominiums, terrace houses and bungalows offer different kinds of experiences. The same concept applies to living in low, medium and high-cost housing.
“As such, all renewal plans must specifically cater to the needs of different demographics and characteristics of different places.”
Johari, who is also Plantation and Commodities Minister, said there are 10 existing laws related to urban development that could also be used for urban renewal, depending on their suitability.
“If they are not suitable to be used, the new law drafted must be comprehensive enough to take care of all stakeholders.
“One of these existing laws is the Land Acquisition Act 1960, which allows the government to acquire land for public purposes.
“However, it has been abused by some developers for profiteering. The loopholes in the Act must be addressed to protect the people,” he added.
He also urged the government to work on reviving some commercial projects that have stalled for decades.
“Plaza Rakyat, which is located in Kuala Lumpur’s city centre, is an example of such projects. They have been an eyesore, which jeopardises the city’s beauty.”
Three main resolutions were achieved at the convention. The first demanded that the government redraft the proposed URA before it is tabled in Parliament again.
The Bill was tabled for the first reading in August. Its second reading was postponed due to widespread protests.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming had said the Bill would not be withdrawn.
The second resolution asked the government to conduct a comprehensive study and amendment of 10 existing urban development laws, including the Land Acquisition Act 1960 and the Town and Country Planning Act 1976.
The third resolution called for the formation of a specific government agency to monitor all redevelopment, regeneration and refurbishment projects in the cities.
Johari handed over the resolutions to Umno president and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the convention.
Also present was MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon, who handed over another memorandum to Johari on behalf of the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap).
One of the key recommendations of the memorandum is for the government to withdraw the UR Bill.
“A moratorium must be imposed on all ongoing developer-led solicitations until a clear, transparent and rights-based legal framework is established and awareness programmes are implemented to ensure that every community entering urban renewal knows their rights,” the memorandum read.
Other recommendations were safeguarding the people’s constitutional rights by maintaining the consent threshold at 100%, revamping the Bill to be more community-centric, and providing adequate compensation and social safeguards to those affected.
In a statement, Chong urged Nga to listen to public opinion and not to proceed with the second reading of the proposed URA in the upcoming parliamentary session.
He said that the groups and organisations involved in Umno’s convention and MCA’s Urban Affairs Policy Summit on Sept 27 believe the Bill gives excessive power to the minister, is unconstitutional, favours developers’ interests, and is detrimental to vulnerable social groups.
“With Barisan Nasional’s clear opposition to the proposed URA, we urge the Housing and Local Government Minister to respect public opinion, withdraw the Bill, and continue necessary consultations and discussions with all relevant groups and organisations,” he said.
