AMANAH has defended the Urban Renewal Act (URA), describing it as a fair initiative that will strengthen Malay socio-economic ownership in urban areas without compromising the rights of other communities.
Secretary-general Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said the Act was designed to redevelop ageing properties in cities while ensuring original residents are not displaced. He explained that URA offers “one-for-one” compensation, where homeowners will receive new, higher-value units at no cost.
“For example, an old house worth RM70,000 could be replaced with a new home valued at RM400,000, free of charge,” he said in a Facebook post.
Faiz stressed that URA would not affect Malay Reserve Land, which will remain protected, while non-Malays need not worry about their freehold ownership being altered.
“This URA will not affect the status of Malay Reserve Land. Land already gazetted as Malay Reserve will remain as such. Non-Malays also need not worry because freehold ownership of land remains unchanged,” he said on Friday (Aug 29).
He argued that it was time to end the colonial legacy that kept Malays out of city centres, pointing out that many Malays are now financially capable of buying urban properties.
“When more Malays live in cities, they will have the opportunity to own comfortable and valuable assets, just like other communities,” he said, urging that young Malays be given priority in housing schemes.
Faiz also criticised the opposition for allegedly stoking racial sentiments against URA, despite having supported similar measures when in government. He said the Act ensures progress while safeguarding the interests of all communities.
“Do not fall for the opposition’s lies claiming to defend Malays, while in reality they are content with seeing Malays continue living in hardship and struggle. Malays have the right to live on par with other races,” he said. — Aug 30, 2025
Main photo credit: Sinar Harian
