Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned against any attempts to challenge the government by organising protests against the Urban Renewal Bill (URA). He stated that the government’s efforts in drafting the bill aim to improve the well-being of the underprivileged who have been forced to live in rundown, cramped flats with only one room and one bathroom in Kuala Lumpur.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized the intention of the legislation is to redevelop housing areas so that Malays in Kuala Lumpur, for example, no longer have to live in the same cramped one-room flats even after 50 or 60 years. He highlighted that some are opposing the bill and planning protests, warning against such challenges. “Let me be clear – do not challenge us. We are fighting for the poor, the majority of whom are Malays, along with a segment of Indians and some Chinese. Yet, you seek to disrupt these efforts,” he said. Anwar added that if protests continue, the government could rally significant support to defend policies benefitting the Malays.

The Prime Minister also criticized those opposing the redevelopment plan, particularly those claiming Malay and Islamic party affiliations. He questioned whether these parties have ever proposed real initiatives or solutions to help the urban poor Malays. Anwar urged critics to voice their concerns and share suggestions but not to undermine the government’s efforts.

He reiterated that the proposed Urban Renewal Bill, which is set to be tabled in Parliament, will not alter the land status involved, including strata ownership. Earlier this month, PAS Youth reportedly announced it would continue opposing the Urban Renewal Bill and plans to hold a larger protest.

At the MARA MADANI Waqf event at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, other notable attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, his deputy, Datuk Rubiah Wang, and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

In a related development, Anwar, through a Facebook post, encouraged Malays and Bumiputeras to look towards the future amidst intense ideological battles. He urged them not to be ensnared by longstanding issues of religion and race, which are often subjects of ongoing debates. Anwar called for alignment with global technological advancements, suggesting that such progress should also bring about shifts in daily life, thinking, and understanding.