The Urban Renewal Act is set to be tabled in Parliament in the first quarter of 2025. This is arguably one of the most prominent pieces of legislation that is set to be tabled by the MADANI government in their first term in power. It has certainly been one of the most hotly debated ones. The act ultimately sets out to facilitate the redevelopment of aging and abandoned urban properties, enable better planning and modernize city spaces. However, the core of the act, which will lower the consent threshold for en-bloc sales, has invited passionate responses. Some worry about the potential displacement of lower-income groups while others are concerned that their rights as landlords will be diminished, among others. 

We unpack some of the key arguments for and against the act and discern if it’s something Malaysia needs. We speak to Nischal Muniandy, Senior Executive of Research, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), and a member of Transit Malaysia.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The benefits of the Urban Renewal Act and how it can revitalise the city and enable better town planning.

• How the current legal framework encourages NIMBYism (Not in My Backyard).

• How the proposed URA and land and development policies in Malaysia compare to other parts of the world known for progressive housing and development rights, such as Australia, China, Singapore and Vienna, which is the capital of Austria.

• Concerns that the URA could lead to gentrification or worse, the displacement of lower-income groups altogether.

• If "tyranny of the majority" is a valid argument.
  
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