MEMBERS of Parliament from both sides of the aisle have voiced support for delaying the second reading of the Urban Renewal Bill (Rang Undang-Undang Pembaharuan Semula Bandar, or URA), following growing public backlash over its potential impact on property rights.
On Tuesday, a coalition of Perikatan Nasional (PN) supporters, Federal Territories residents’ associations, and several non-governmental organisations held a peaceful demonstration outside the main gates of Parliament, calling on the government to halt the bill’s progress.
A memorandum of protest was handed over to MPs from across the political spectrum, including government backbencher Hassan Karim (Pasir Gudang), who stressed that an MP’s primary duty is to uphold the Federal Constitution, not merely to support the government.
“Our role is to defend the Constitution in the interest of the people,” he said. “The URA risks contradicting Article 13, which guarantees that the government must respect citizens’ property, including homes and land.”
Hassan questioned the proposed approval threshold in the bill, which allows redevelopment of properties aged 30 years or more if 75 per cent of owners consent.
“A 75 per cent threshold for 30-year-old homes is too low. The houses in my village are over 30 years old and still in good condition. This needs to be reviewed,” he said. “I’ve made a simple request to the minister—postpone the bill and give everyone a chance to reassess it. I hope the government listens and does not act arrogantly.”
Other government MPs present to receive the memorandum included Wong Chen (PH–Subang), Rodziah Ismail (PH–Ampang), Zahir Hassan (PH–Wangsa Maju), and Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng (BN–Tanjung Piai).
On the opposition bench, notable figures included Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN–Kubang Kerian), Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN–Kota Bharu), Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (PN–Arau), Khairil Nizam Khirudin (PN–Jerantut), Datuk Idris Ahmad (PN–Bagan Serai), Fathul Huzir Ayob (PN–Gerik) and Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib (PN–Maran).
Idris Ahmad described the tabling of the URA as hasty and lacking meaningful consultation, including with backbench MPs.
He claimed that the widespread objections—even from within the government ranks—indicate fundamental issues with the bill.
“PN has opposed the bill from the start. There are other ways to redevelop urban areas without needing a new Act. Look at the success stories of Razak Mansion and Kampung Kerinchi—these were achieved through negotiations and community engagement,” he said.
“There seems to be an overlap in powers here. Land ownership is protected by the Constitution, but under the URA, sweeping authority would be given to ministers and state excos,” he added.
“My main concern is: what happens to Malay reserve land? What about waqf (endowment) land, which cannot legally be transferred? Were these considerations factored into the bill?”
On Monday, PAS Youth also submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, expressing concern over the perceived haste in bringing the URA to parliamentary debate, despite widespread calls for a delay.
According to PAS Youth Information Chief Khairul Nadzir Helmi Azhar, the public remains anxious over the lack of clarity and consultation surrounding the bill’s provisions. - August 26, 2025
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