Once again, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has launched an unjustified attack on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim over the Akta Pembaharuan Semula Bandar (PSB).
Mahathir falsely claims the initiative to improve urban Malays’ lives will lead to their marginalisation, comparing them to Malays in Singapore. In his press conference at the Perdana Leadership Foundation yesterday, he repeatedly accused Anwar of lying.
The reality is that 78 percent of Malaysians live in urban centres like Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Penang. Many low-income Malay families remain in cramped, poorly maintained housing despite Malaysia’s economic progress — largely due to Mahathir’s past policies.
Another undeniable fact is that Malays in Singapore generally enjoy a higher standard of living than those in Malaysia, contradicting Mahathir’s claim.
The new law aims to lower the consent threshold for en bloc sales, depending on a building’s age, resolving a longstanding redevelopment deadlock.
The Ministry of Housing and Local Government has identified 139 land parcels in Kuala Lumpur for redevelopment, including 91 residential sites. If approved, PSB projects could generate RM332.5 billion in gross development value, benefiting many lower-income families.
Mahathir also ignores the improved compensation under Pakatan Harapan. Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa confirmed that RM200,000 was disbursed to 11 Kampung Sungai Baru flat owners for land acquisition.
Under the proposed law, buildings under 30 years old could be sold with 80 per cent owner consent, while older ones require two-thirds. Unsafe or abandoned buildings would need only half.
Mahathir and PAS’s claim that urban development will erode Malay land ownership is baseless. Revitalising urban centres with better planning and infrastructure will only strengthen communities.
It is disgraceful that Mahathir stubbornly clings to his prejudices instead of supporting a vital programme that would uplift those at risk of being left behind.
Thank you,
Lim Lip Eng
MP for Kepong
