SETIAWANGSA MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has called for the postponement of the Urban Renewal Bill, warning that its current form raises serious concerns among MPs, residents, and civil society.
“I am of the opinion that the Second and Third Readings of the Urban Renewal Bill should be postponed,” said the former minister, noting that several fellow KEADILAN backbenchers had already voiced similar reservations.
He highlighted unease over proposed changes to the consent threshold for redevelopment projects, which many fear could weaken the rights of affected residents.
“Civil society and residents’ groups have likewise expressed anxieties over its impact on density and the extent to which stakeholders will be engaged,” he added.
Nik Nazmi further argued that the Urban Renewal Bill should not be brought to a vote until the long-delayed Residential Tenancy Bill is enacted, emphasising the need to regulate landlord-tenant relations and ensure protections for both parties.
“The Urban Renewal Bill will have a major impact on the future of Malaysia’s cities and, in effect, on the country as a whole. It should not be rushed but rather be deliberated upon judiciously and inclusively,” he said in a statement today.
He urged the government to halt the Bill’s progression, scheduled for its Second and Third Readings on Wednesday, until all critical issues are properly resolved.
In his statement, Nik Nazmi reiterated the importance of balancing urban redevelopment with fairness, legal safeguards, and public participation, particularly at a time when housing equity remains a pressing national concern. - August 25, 2025
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