PUTRAJAYA, March 11, 2025 – It is Mahathir versus Anwar in this matter. Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has accused current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of being untrustworthy, casting doubt on Anwar’s assurances that the Urban Renewal Act (URA) will not negatively impact the Malay community in urban areas. Speaking at a press conference organized by the Prime Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya, Mahathir criticized Anwar’s credibility, claiming that the government has failed to resolve land disputes, such as those in Kampung Sungai Baru, Kuala Lumpur.
Mahathir argued that if the government cannot address smaller issues like Kampung Sungai Baru, Anwar’s promises to safeguard Malay interests under the URA ring hollow. “This person (Anwar) always lies. He opens his mouth and lies. He makes all sorts of promises but doesn’t fulfill any of them,” Mahathir said, flanked by residents of Kampung Sungai Baru who are protesting the government’s land acquisition plans for redevelopment.
The former premier warned that the URA, if passed into law, would favor wealthy individuals (Mahakaya?) and businesses, pricing Malays out of urban areas. He contrasted Anwar’s approach with that of Malaysia’s second prime minister, Abdul Razak Hussein, who envisioned cities populated by a mix of all ethnic groups rather than dominated by a single race.
Anwar, responding to earlier criticisms in Parliament, had assured lawmakers that the URA would not empower the government to forcibly evict original property owners, regardless of ethnicity. “There will be no provisions allowing the forced expulsion of original landowners or premise owners. The status of Malay reserves or permanent land titles will remain unchanged,” Anwar said, emphasizing that the government would ensure property owners understand their rights and protections. Gov’t also said some Malay areas maybe affected?
However, Mahathir dismissed these guarantees, alleging that Anwar’s track record undermines his credibility. He urged caution in approving the URA, warning that it could reshape Malaysia’s urban demographic in ways that marginalize the Malay community. Mahathir versus Anwar…
Mahathir versus Anwar
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