Pejuang president Mukhriz Mahathir on Wednesday, accused certain developers of misleading Kuala Lumpur residents into signing “survey forms” that could result in them unknowingly surrendering their land.
Speaking at a press conference following a roundtable discussion with the Kuala Lumpur Residents Alliance and Sustainable Development (KLRA+SD), Mukhriz described the practice as a deceitful tactic that undermines residents’ rights.
The former Kedah menteri besar highlighted that these surveys, which ask residents about desired facilities and include checkboxes, require signatures and identification numbers.
“There’s fine print at the bottom that isn’t explained to them,” he said, alleging that these signatures are later interpreted as consent for land or property redevelopment. Mukhriz expressed alarm that such practices are occurring despite the Urban Renewal Bill still awaiting parliamentary approval.
The roundtable, attended by representatives from Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan, Muda, Urimai, and Parti Sosialis Malaysia, unanimously agreed to oppose the Urban Renewal Bill in its entirety.
Mukhriz argued that existing laws already provide sufficient mechanisms for regenerating aging or dilapidated housing areas without resorting to demolition and rebuilding. “The bill should not merely be refined; it must be rejected outright,” he asserted.
Mukhriz announced plans for a nationwide roadshow to educate the public about the perceived threats posed by the bill, which is scheduled for debate in the Dewan Rakyat at the next parliamentary session in October. The bill includes a new consent rule, introduced following objections from MPs and civil society groups.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming responded by holding Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin to his assurance that Perikatan Nasional (PN) would not oppose the bill during the upcoming debate and vote. Nga noted that Hamzah had previously told the prime minister that PN was only seeking a deferment of the bill.
