Nga tells opposition MPs to 'live in run-down flats' if they're against URA
KUANTAN: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming suggested that opposition MPs who oppose the Urban Renewal Act (URA) should live with their families in dilapidated flats to better understand the hardships faced by the urban poor.
He made a pointed invitation after opposition MPs failed to turn up for a site visit to four URA project locations on April 29, despite being formally invited on two occasions.
"There was even a python near one of the flats we visited. For MPs who oppose the URA, I invite you to bring your wives and children to live there—you won't have to pay rent. Experience for yourselves what urban poor households go through," he said.
Nga said he had extended "special invitations" twice to the opposition but none turned up.
"They initially agreed to attend, but failed to show up. They 'ponteng' (skipped) again—not just skipping Parliament, but also when the government is trying to help the people," he said during the ministry's Sentuhan Kasih programme at Kampung Cempaka today.
Earlier, he handed over house keys to Rumah Mesra Rakyat recipients and mock cheques for development and planning allocations in Pahang.
Taking a swipe at high-ranking critics, Nga added: "If you are against the URA—even if you're a 'Tun', 'Tan Sri' or 'Datuk Seri'—the application forms are ready.
"If you're willing, I'll offer you the vacant units. Don't just stay in your bungalows. Go stay in these flats to understand what the URA is all about. Don't stop us from helping the people."
Nga had on April 29 led a group of MPs to visit four urban renewal sites in Kuala Lumpur to help them better understand the URA's significance—but no opposition MPs attended.
Pas is planning a rally next month to protest against the Act, which Nga said is in its final stage before being tabled in Parliament in July.
Asked if he planned to arrange another visit for opposition MPs, Nga replied, "No. Why should I?"
"For your information, I personally invited Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and his deputy, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, to the ministry's Hari Raya open house, but both did not attend.
"When I hold celebrations, they lodge police reports. But when we invite them, they don't show up," he said.
Nga's remarks come amid continued criticism from the opposition, some of whom accuse the URA of enabling forced evictions. Earlier this year, police recorded Nga's statement over a Christmas celebration held at the ministry's premises.
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