FT Wanita Umno delegate outlines three resolutions, proposals on URA bill

 

UMNO AGM | A Wanita Umno delegate from the Federal Territories has called for a halt on plans to re-table the Urban Renewal Bill 2025 pending comprehensive amendments that take into account the views of landowners and the people.

In debating Wanita Umno chief Noraini Ahmad’s policy speech, Seputeh Wanita Umno acting chief Mona Azlyn Shariff said the bill has “too many loopholes” which have yet to be addressed.

“We cannot allow this draft, riddled with loopholes, to gamble away the fate of Malay property owners without absolute protection.

“The government must shoulder full responsibility to ensure that only developers with integrity, experience, and truly strong financial standing are permitted, and this must be strictly enforced through a very stringent performance bond mechanism, without any compromise,” she stressed.

Mona Azlyn (above), in her speech, outlined three major resolutions and 14 proposals on needed improvements.

The three resolutions are: That the bill must be revised; that 10 other existing related Acts be amended to prevent overlaps and contradictions with the new law; and that the government set up an Urban Redevelopment Authority.

Among the highlights of her 14 proposals are:

• Fair, comprehensive compensation: Not just market value - must include equivalent replacement housing, moving costs, loss of income, and liveable relocation plans.

• High consent threshold: Consent must be very high (95 percent for <50-year buildings; 90 percent for >50-year buildings). Land Acquisition Act only as a last resort.

• Protect tenants and indebted owners: Tenants and owners still paying loans must not be excluded from protection.

• No forced eviction: Nobody can be removed until consent meets the required threshold.

• Joint federal-state approvals: Both governments must approve; no unilateral decisions.

Redevelopment framework

Mona Azlyn further stressed the need for clear and specific definitions in any redevelopment framework, with clear distinctions between redevelopment (full rebuilding), regeneration (area improvement), and refurbishment (repairs or upgrades to existing buildings).

“This is to prevent authorities from abusing powers or confusing residents during implementation,” she stressed.

She went on to urge the government to criminalise intimidation by developers, saying any act of pressure, coercion, or threats against residents - whether verbally, in writing, or through other methods - should be treated as a criminal offence.

The bill was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Aug 21 last year. It was widely panned, particularly by the opposition, who claimed that it would sideline the Malays.

As a result, the second reading of the bill on Aug 28 was postponed amid heavy pushback, with the government promising a review.

Debates on the bill did not resume at the end of the last Dewan Rakyat session, but Berita Harian on Jan 5 quoted Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming as saying that the revised draft is ready for the upcoming first Parliament session beginning Jan 19. - Mkini