Let’s be real Malaysian politics these days feels like binge-watching a never-ending soap opera. One day it’s deputy party reshuffling, the next it’s racial spats, and before your teh tarik gets cold, someone else’s scandal pops up in your feed (hello again, Yusoff Rawther). Sometimes, you just want to scream, “Can we go one week without drama, please?”
But amidst all this chaos, one name has been popping up lately with more substance than scandal Nga Kor Ming. Love him or not, he’s been doing more than just talking. He’s actually… you know… working.
Making Cities Livable Again
Nga, who now heads the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), isn’t just warming the ministerial chair. He’s spearheading Malaysia’s bid to lead UN-Habitat, a major international body focused on sustainable urban living.
And let me tell you this matters. With 78% of Malaysians already in cities (and that number climbing), urban renewal isn’t a sexy topic, but it’s vital. Think cleaner neighborhoods, safer buildings, and actual affordable homes not the “affordable” that makes your wallet cry.
His three-point plan if Malaysia wins the UN-Habitat presidency?
Affordable, quality housing
Urban redevelopment (because yes, our old flats and walk-ups are showing serious wrinkles)
Circular economy (hello, planet-saving policies!)
The Urban Renewal Act: Not Just Another Law
Then there’s this new Urban Renewal Act he’s pushing. On paper, it sounds dry, but it tackles a real headache broken-down buildings stuck in limbo because one owner disappeared or said "no". The current law needs 100% agreement to rebuild. ONE person can stall progress for dozens of families. That’s not just inefficient; it’s unfair.
The proposed new rule drops it to 80% consent still higher than in many global cities like Tokyo or Shanghai. It also promises resident protections:
✅ Fair compensation
✅ Temporary housing during the rebuild
✅ Government as referee in disputes
✅ Land status stays the same
Honestly? That sounds… reasonable.
Responding to the Haters
Of course, Nga’s no stranger to criticism. Some say he’s being insensitive, racist, or too ambitious. He’s been called out for quoting the Quran, pushing redevelopment, and even being too active in PAS-led states (ironic, right?). But here’s the thing he answers. Not by sulking or finger-pointing, but by giving explanations. Data. History. Examples.
He addressed concerns about gentrification in places like Kampung Kerinchi, saying 94% of residents post-renewal are Malay. He denied pushing luxury homes and showed policies mandating 30% affordable housing in every project. He reminded us there’s a Housing Tribunal in place and a defect warranty to protect buyers.
And when grilled about quoting Islamic texts as a non-Muslim? He simply said, “Why block people from reading the Quran if the message is meaningful?” That’s a bold, inclusive statement in a time when we badly need more bridges, not walls.
The Bigger Picture
Here’s my two sen: We can disagree with Nga Kor Ming’s politics, past remarks, or even his fashion choices that’s democracy. But when you zoom out and look at the guy’s actions, you see a politician trying to modernize Malaysia, not just manage it. He’s playing at a global level with the UN bid while fixing our broken lifts and leaky flats back home. That’s rare.
In a time when many leaders are busy fighting for party positions or recycling drama from 2018, someone actually trying to build better cities literally deserves at least a second glance.
So, What's Next?
Whether Nga becomes UN-Habitat president or just continues making housing better in Malaysia, one thing’s clear: he’s trying to move the needle. Less noise, more work. We need more of that, no?
And if you want to hear it straight from the man himself he recently gave a full-length interview on a YouTube channel owned by Utusan Malaysia.
Yes, the same media group that once ran false reports and condemned him in the past. Instead of boycotting, Nga showed up, answered their questions, and laid down his vision with facts, not feelings.
Here the full interview here 👉 Apa saya dapat kalau usir orang Melayu? - Nga Kor Ming
Now, back to my kopi o’ and watching the next plot twist in Malaysian politics unfold. But for now, maybe let’s give the guy with actual plans a little airtime. Give credit where it’s due. Not perfect, but at least not MIA (Missing In Action)
Annan Vaithegi (annanvaithegi@icloud.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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