KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA 20 Feb 2025 – In a strongly worded statement released yesterday, Syerleena Abdul Rashid, the Member of Parliament for Bukit Bendera, defended Malaysia’s Urban Renewal Act (URA), calling it a vital step toward modernizing cities and improving living conditions for thousands of residents. The MP accused detractors of spreading misinformation and fear-mongering, insisting that the legislation is not a “house-grabbing act” but a chance to uplift communities while preserving their rights.
The URA, hailed as one of the most ambitious urban development initiatives in recent years, has sparked heated debate across the country. Critics, including PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, have labeled it a tool for eviction and political gain, claims Syerleena dismissed as “baseless” and “irresponsible.” She argued that the act addresses a pressing need to revitalize aging housing estates, pointing to the Rifle Range flats in her constituency as a prime example.
Located just 4.4 kilometers from George Town, the Rifle Range flats were once a pioneering symbol of urban progress. Built in 1969 on a former British military shooting range, the nine-block complex with nearly 3,700 units marked Penang’s first foray into high-rise public housing. However, more than five decades later, the flats are plagued by overcrowding, crumbling infrastructure, and safety concerns. Residents frequently contend with broken elevators, faulty plumbing, and poorly ventilated units—conditions Syerleena described as “substandard” and unacceptable for modern living.
“The reality is starkly different from what it once was,” she said. “What used to be a housing solution is now a challenge we cannot ignore. The URA is about ensuring the next generation doesn’t inherit deteriorating homes.”
The MP emphasized that the URA is not about displacing residents or seizing property, countering accusations from opponents. She highlighted the government’s commitment to protecting ownership rights and involving communities in the redevelopment process through consultation and consensus.
“This is about transformation, not takeover,” Syerleena asserted, noting that the act could turn aging apartments into modern, well-equipped homes with upgraded facilities.
The statement also took aim at political opponents exploiting the issue for their own gain. Syerleena echoed Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng’s criticism of racial scare tactics, accusing some politicians of prioritizing the status quo over the public’s well-being.
“Those who oppose the URA must ask themselves: Do they truly want to protect the people, or are they just protecting their own interests?” she challenged.
Beyond improving housing, Syerleena touted the broader benefits of the URA, including job creation in construction and real estate, economic growth, and enhanced urban livability.
“This isn’t about politics—it’s about people,” she said. “It’s about making sure our cities remain vibrant and that every Malaysian has the right to a safe, modern home.”
As the debate over the URA continues, Syerleena’s statement underscores a growing divide between supporters who see it as a necessary evolution and critics who warn of hidden agendas. For now, the MP remains steadfast, urging the public to see through the misinformation and embrace the promise of a better future.
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