URA postponement push proves BN not DAP puppet - Umno veterans
BN's push for the postponement of the controversial Urban Renewal Bill is proof that it is not a puppet for DAP, said the Umno Veterans Club.
In a statement, club secretary Mustapha Yaakub claimed that Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan's statement regarding the issue yesterday had convinced Putrajaya to push the bill to the next Dewan Rakyat meeting.
BN's push for the postponement of the controversial Urban Renewal Bill is proof that it is not a puppet for DAP, said the Umno Veterans Club.
In a statement, club secretary Mustapha Yaakub claimed that Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan's statement regarding the issue yesterday had convinced Putrajaya to push the bill to the next Dewan Rakyat meeting.
"BN's decision to push for the postponement of the bill’s tabling clearly shows that BN and Umno representatives are not being controlled by DAP, and they are not afraid to speak up.
"Tok Mat’s (Mohamad) strategic and well-timed move as BN deputy chairperson and Umno deputy president had succeeded in convincing the government to delay the tabling," Mustapha (above) said.
For the record, the bill was already tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Aug 21, and had its second reading yesterday.
Its debates and voting, however, were postponed to the next Dewan Rakyat meeting in October, with Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming saying they would introduce some improvements to the proposal.
Mustapha further said the club hoped Putrajaya would review provisions under the proposed law that had sparked concerns among the people.
"... particularly the excessive powers it will grant to the (housing and local government) minister, which could potentially overlap with the authority of state governments that have jurisdiction over land matters, even though local councils fall under the federal government's purview.
"It must be remembered that the ‘landlords’ in the states are the rulers and sultans," he said.
READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | What is the Urban Renewal Act?
He also urged for the review to be done thoroughly so there will be "no hidden agenda" that can be questioned by the rakyat, especially the urban Malays".
Success of protests
In a separate statement, Perikatan Nasional regarded the postponement as a success of the protests mounted by its MPs and the people.
Its chief whip, Takiyuddin Hassan, said the bill in its original form has failed to give due consideration to the rights of property owners, especially the Malay community who have been living in urban areas for many years.
"The low consent threshold that it proposes and vague implementation process will pose a significant risk to ownership rights, the stability of local communities, and cities’ demographic composition," he said.
The Kota Bharu MP further listed a series of issues that PN believed the government should review.
These include protecting the rights of property owners, balanced development, transparency and thorough consultation with all stakeholders, and guaranteeing that urban renewal projects will not change the demographic composition in affected areas.
"PN rejects any policy that can cause drastic change to the urban population and erodes the presence of the Malay and bumiputera communities in major cities," Takiyuddin added.
