COMMENT | Can we transform run-down, perhaps crime-ridden flats into flashy new condos?

This seems to be the thinking behind Malaysia’s first Urban Redevelopment Act (URA).

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said that once the law is approved by Parliament, only 80 percent of owners of old flats need to consent to redevelopment, rather than the current 100 percent.

This will create “abundant investment opportunities” to change the “city skyline” and generate “hundreds of billions” in gross development value (GDV), he said.

Hmmm… does this sound like a developer talking? Nga explained that we need to do urban renewal because many old flats could become “ugly, dilapidated” slums in 20 years. He added that Kuala Lumpur City Hall has identified 139 potential sites fit for rebuilding.

Urban redevelopment. Rejuvenation. Renewal. Call it what you like. It sounds good in theory.