THE postponement of the Urban Renewal Bill was intended to give the government sufficient space to consider recommendations from a wide range of stakeholders before the legislation is reintroduced in Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
Zahid said the approach is crucial to ensure that the Bill can be implemented in a more comprehensive and equitable manner, while safeguarding the interests of all parties involved.
“The postponement was made because I feel it is necessary to take into account 14 recommendations from various parties, including NGOs, professional groups and individuals who wish to strengthen the Urban Renewal Bill before it is tabled again,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after attending the Golden Jubilee Dinner of the Indonesian Higher Education Alumni Association at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today.
Earlier, media reports said the Cabinet had agreed to withdraw the Urban Renewal Bill to allow for improvements.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the decision was taken after the Cabinet discussed the need to establish a legal framework that is more comprehensive, fair and effective in addressing urban housing issues, particularly those affecting the urban poor.
The government has indicated that the revised Bill will be tabled in Parliament once refinements are completed and broader consensus is achieved. - January 24, 2026
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