IPOH: The controversial proposed Urban Renewal Act (URA) will not make it to the coming Parliament sitting, as the government shifts its focus to Budget 2026, says Nga Kor Ming (pic).
“Our main focus next week is on the Budget. Other matters can come after the Budget.
“No issue for it to be done at another appropriate time,” the Housing and Local Government Minister said.
Nga was speaking to reporters after giving out Deepavali aid to about 620 students at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple hall in Buntong here yesterday.
There have been calls to not rush and defer the tabling of the Bill pending a comprehensive redraft to incorporate views of all stakeholders.
Various groups, including political parties, professional bodies, civil society groups and residents’ associations, have objected to the Bill, fearing that it could erode property rights and disproportionately empower developers at the expense of communities.
Nga said his ministry had no issues with deferring the Bill, adding that it remained open to hearing more views and opinions.
“As a government that cares for the people, the ministry always adopts an open heart, open mind and open door approach.
“We are prepared and willing to hear from all parties with views that are constructive and not destructive.
“Any good suggestions will be accepted with an open heart because our intention is sincere, as the URA is meant to help the people, especially those living in flats,” he said.
Nga also said the Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) has been instructed to study all views.
“They will assess whether the opinions are good and practical for amendments to be made, before the Bill is brought up to Parliament again,” he added.
At the Urban Renewal Convention, organised by Umno on Oct 3, three major resolutions were adopted, including one calling for the government to postpone tabling the Bill pending a comprehensive redraft to incorporate the views of stakeholders.
The second resolution was for a holistic review and amendments to 10 existing laws, including the Land Acquisition Act, Strata Titles Act and Housing Development Act, to ensure these are harmonised with the new URA to avoid overlaps and contradictions.
The third resolution called for the establishment of an Urban Redevelopment Authority to oversee and regulate projects nationwide, ensuring disputes between developers and residents are addressed fairly.
