Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has voiced concerns over urban renewal in Malaysia, warning that redevelopment efforts must not come at the expense of the Malay community. In a recent statement, the former prime minister highlighted the risks of pushing Malays out of major cities, particularly Kuala Lumpur, as a result of high-end development projects.
Dr. Mahathir pointed out that, like many countries, Malaysia’s cities contain overcrowded and impoverished areas that require revitalization. However, he emphasized that past urban renewal efforts have often led to the displacement of low-income groups, which in Malaysia predominantly consist of Malays. He fears that if redevelopment continues to focus on luxury housing, many Malays will be unable to afford the new high-priced flats, ultimately reducing their presence in urban centers.
He drew comparisons to Singapore’s urban planning, where Malay villages were acquired for redevelopment, and the community was subsequently scattered into housing dominated by other ethnic groups. This, he argued, weakened their political influence and further segregated the population. Dr. Mahathir cautioned that if Malaysia follows this path, it could lead to a similar outcome—fewer Malays in key urban areas, increased separation between ethnic groups, and a decline in Malay participation in city life.
“Urban reform needs to be done. But the way is not to expel the Malays from the city.”, the former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir said.
Dr. Mahathir warned that if Malays continue to be pushed to the outskirts, they will miss out on the economic opportunities and modern amenities that cities provide. More importantly, he believes such displacement could deepen racial divisions and hinder national unity.
As Malaysia moves forward with city renewal projects, Dr. Mahathir’s remarks serve as a reminder that progress should be inclusive, preserving the cultural and social fabric of the nation while improving urban living conditions for all.
Information Source: Facebook
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