DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook has firmly dismissed assertions that the Urban Renewal Bill represents a DAP-specific agenda, emphasizing that it is a key component of the Madani government’s broader policy framework.
Speaking to reporters in Seremban on Saturday, Loke clarified that no bill can be tabled in Parliament without Cabinet approval, noting that Prime MinisterAnwar Ibrahim has repeatedly endorsed the redevelopment of aging and dilapidated public housing.
“I find it peculiar that this is framed as a DAP agenda. This is the Madani government’s agenda, as any bill presented by a minister transcends party lines,” Loke stated, as reported by Sinar Harian. “So, let’s not point fingers and label it a party agenda. Our system doesn’t function that way.”
The transport minister expressed openness to addressing any shortcomings in the bill and criticized the opposition for politicizing the issue. He noted that the opposition leader in the Dewan Rakyat had voiced support for the bill, suggesting only that certain aspects required further discussion. “That is what we will do,” Loke affirmed, urging that the bill not be politicized.
Loke highlighted that the Urban Renewal Bill was initially drafted in 2021 under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration’s housing and local government minister, though it was never implemented. “The principle is clear: it aims to facilitate urban redevelopment, particularly in major cities like Kuala Lumpur,” he said. “Certain matters need clarification, especially that this bill safeguards landowners’ rights.”
On Thursday, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced amendments to the bill following pushback from MPs and civil society groups. The revised proposal now mandates an 80% consent threshold from property owners for all redevelopment projects, regardless of a building’s age.
Previously, the bill had proposed a 75% consent requirement for buildings over 30 years old and a 51% threshold for those deemed abandoned or unsafe.
