PUTRAJAYA, March 19 - The Urban Renewal (PSB) Bill (RUU) will not affect the rights of original owners, especially Malays and Bumiputeras.
The Prime Minister's Senior Press Secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that after an agreement is reached, owners will receive back their renovated properties, in addition to compensation, living allowances and other incentives throughout the construction period and after the project is completed.
"The Honorable Prime Minister stressed that the implementation of the PSB Bill will ensure that renovated houses are given to the original owners so that they can return to live on the original site that was developed."
"The value of property compensation that the owners will receive is based on the future market value, thus helping them regain ownership of the renovated houses," he said in a daily briefing by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), broadcast live on Anwar Ibrahim's Facebook and PMO Malaysia's Facebook.
Unlike the current method, which only provides compensation based on current value, the PSB Bill promises fairer and higher compensation.
Tunku Nashrul also informed that there are active efforts from several parties who continue to spread slander against the Prime Minister, even during the month of Ramadan.
Various series and outdated stories that are repeated clearly show that these parties are desperate in their efforts to influence the minds of the public.
"Prolonging slander, especially during the month of Ramadan is the lowest of morals and is strictly prohibited by Islam."
"However, we will continue to monitor closely so that it will never threaten and weaken our spirit and intentions in ensuring the well-being of the country and the people as a whole", he said.
Meanwhile, Tengku Nashrul said the Prime Minister also reprimanded the actions of individuals slapping non-Muslim youth for eating in public.
The Prime Minister believes that issues that touch on religious, racial and ethnic sensitivities can be avoided if all parties are obedient and committed to practicing the principle of respecting each other.
"What is the point of talking about Islam and its beauty, especially during the month of Ramadan, if it does not build internal strength and distance us from violent attitudes that threaten peace and harmony", said Tengku Nashrul.