Debates on the controversial Urban Renewal Bill 2025 have been pushed back to the next Dewan Rakyat meeting, which will convene in October.
This follows strong resistance to the bill from both the opposition and some in the government bloc, including the Barisan Nasional and seven PKR MPs.
Earlier today, BN deputy chairman Mohamad Hasan said the coalition’s 30 MPs wanted the bill delayed and reviewed to allow for engagements to be held with stakeholders.
PAS‘s Ahmad Fadhli Shaari took to Facebook to announce that the bill will not be debated and voted on today, describing this as a “victory for the people”.
An aide to housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming told FMT that the bill will still be tabled for second reading in the house this evening, but debates and the vote on the proposed law will take place at the next sitting.
Yesterday, Nga said the second reading of the bill would take place today. He had tabled it for the first reading last Thursday.
The proposed Urban Renewal Act seeks to replace outdated legislation and regulations governing the redevelopment of dilapidated urban areas.
Critics have pointed to the lowered consent threshold, saying it may undermine the rights of residents in the minority by forcing them to comply with the majority of residents who wish to have their areas redeveloped.
The government has repeatedly said that residents’ rights will be safeguarded through fair compensation and protective measures.
This morning, Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi urged Nga to delay the bill or risk tarnishing the government’s image by having it shot down in the Dewan Rakyat.
