HBA welcomes retraction of Urban Redevelopment Bill

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 23): The National House Buyers Association (HBA) of Malaysia today stated its appreciation and gratitude to the Cabinet for its decision to retract the Urban Redevelopment Bill (URA).

This reflects “a willingness to pause and reconsider a matter of significant national importance”, said HBA in a media release in reaction to the latest decision on the URA by the government.

“HBA also acknowledges and thanks Members of Parliament across the political divide who played an important and constructive role in ensuring that the URA was stopped in its tracks before further erosion of public confidence could occur.

“HBA further recognises the efforts of the large number of stakeholders, professionals, community representatives and civil society participants who engaged in good faith through the Umno-led Task Force and Urban Renewal Convention process.”

The association also stated that while it “welcomes the Cabinet’s decision with cautious relief”, HBA also remained watchful.

“HBA is concerned as to whether future actions will reflect the collective wisdom of the Cabinet, or whether the exercise will amount to old wine in a new bottle—a cosmetic reset without substantive reform.”

HBA stated that any “re-tabled legislation must constitute a genuine tabula rasa (blank slate), grounded in good faith, credible consultation, and demonstrable incorporation of previously agreed safeguards.”

“Anything less will only deepen the existing trust deficit and further undermine public confidence.”

The association assured that it is not opposed to urban renewal. “However, reform of this nature can only proceed legitimately when trust is restored, commitments are honoured, and homeowners are treated as stakeholders, not obstacles.”

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced today that the URA has been retracted by the Cabinet to allow for improvements to be made.

Fahmi said the move comes as the Cabinet heeds concerns raised by members of Parliament, ministers and key partner Umno. 

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