Pakatan Harapan (PH) Youth took PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden to task today for linking the scuffle in Kampung Sungai Baru to the recently tabled Urban Renewal Bill (URB), describing his remarks as baseless and politically motivated.
In a statement, PH Youth chief Woo Kah Leong said the land acquisition process in the Malay enclave took place under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration in 2021.
He said PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man had urged those involved in the land acquisition to explain the decision to the affected residents.
He said PAS Youth should therefore push the PN leadership for an answer instead of trying to find fault with the unity government.
“The claims made by PAS on the redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru are baseless, irresponsible and made in bad faith,” he said.
Afnan was reported as saying that yesterday’s scuffle, which left a senior cop with a bloodied face, was a “trailer” for things to come once the Urban Renewal Bill is passed.
He also said that the wing, which has been a vocal critic of the proposed law, would continue to oppose the “cruel” bill.
Woo said that PAS Youth should not twist facts to cover up its failures during its time in power.
“Politics based on lies will only destroy the unity we have in the country,” he added.
Dang Wangi police chief Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman was hurt in a stand-off yesterday with residents who were set to be evicted. Three people have since been arrested in connection with the incident.
The URB was tabled for a first reading last month although it will be amended to reflect a new consent rule following pushback from MPs and civil groups.
The bill outlines three types of projects: redevelopment, involving tearing down and rebuilding housing projects; regeneration, involving repairs or upgrades to dilapidated or abandoned buildings; and revitalisation or the upgrading or improving of an area without demolishing it.
