Pssc Chair Surprised Private Letter On Ura Was Read In Dewan Rakyat

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A Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) chairperson expressed surprise that a letter he wrote was read aloud in the Dewan Rakyat.
PSSC on Infrastructure, Transportation, and Communications chairperson Yusuf Abd Wahab said the letter he wrote to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming was for the minister’s eyes only.
“I was quite surprised when my letter was read out in the Dewan Rakyat, and it shouldn’t have been read (aloud) like that.
“... It was actually for internal circulation only, and I hope the letter is not misused,” he said.
Earlier today, after the first reading of the proposed Urban Renewal Act (URA), PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan read Yusuf’s letter to bring Standing Order 54, which calls for a bill to be committed to the respective PSSC before its second reading.
Yusuf explained that he wrote the letter to represent the committee in requesting that the bill’s second reading be delayed to allow for further discussions.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor MingNga previously announced that the second and third readings of the bill had been scheduled for Aug 27, thus marking a new direction in ensuring that urban development in Malaysia remains sustainable, advanced, prosperous, and inclusive.
He said a total of 101 engagement sessions were held with various stakeholders, including two with the PSSC in drafting the bill.
‘URA needs to be reviewed further’
Commenting further, Yusuf urged the government to review the URA’s consent thresholds.
He urged the Housing and Local Governance Ministry to discuss the matter again until it reaches an agreement with the PSSC.
He also raised concerns that owners who disagree with redevelopment under the proposed act may receive lower compensation compared to those who agree.
“This can cause a sense of unfairness among owners who are involved as well as pose a risk to the smooth implementation of projects,” he added.
Earlier, six PKR MPs raised concerns over the consent threshold, saying that it should be higher.
Subang MP Wong Chen (centre) having a press conference in Parliament along with other PKR MPsSubang MP Wong Chen said it should be set at 85 percent for buildings older than 30 years and 90 percent for buildings below 30 years.
Under the proposed bill, the Housing and Local Government Ministry has recommended a tiered consent threshold based on the condition and age of the building: 75 percent for buildings over 30 years old, 80 percent for those under 30 years, and 51 percent for buildings classified as dilapidated or unsafe for occupancy. - Mkini

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