KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Urban Renewal Act (URA), describing it as a federal initiative that could erode homeowners’ rights in favour of large developers.
SAPP Supreme Council Member and lawyer Yong Yit Jee (pic) said that although the bill currently applies only to West Malaysia and Labuan, Sabahans must remain vigilant.
He argued that the URA gives sweeping powers to the federal minister, including allowing compulsory acquisition of buildings older than 30 years even if a quarter of owners object, which he said risks undermining property rights and uprooting communities.
Yong stressed that housing, land, and local government fall under state jurisdiction, citing the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as safeguards of Sabah’s autonomy in these matters.
SAPP reiterated its stand that the URA must not apply in Sabah, affirming its position with the call: “Hands off our homes. Hands off our rights. Sabah decides, not Putrajaya.”
SAPP Supreme Council Member and lawyer Yong Yit Jee (pic) said that although the bill currently applies only to West Malaysia and Labuan, Sabahans must remain vigilant.
He argued that the URA gives sweeping powers to the federal minister, including allowing compulsory acquisition of buildings older than 30 years even if a quarter of owners object, which he said risks undermining property rights and uprooting communities.
Yong stressed that housing, land, and local government fall under state jurisdiction, citing the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as safeguards of Sabah’s autonomy in these matters.
SAPP reiterated its stand that the URA must not apply in Sabah, affirming its position with the call: “Hands off our homes. Hands off our rights. Sabah decides, not Putrajaya.”