KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim criticised Malay leaders opposing the proposed Urban Renewal Bill, calling their stance deceptive and a betrayal of the Malay community.

Anwar said these leaders, as Malays themselves, appeared to have lost their sense of direction by claiming the legislation would marginalise Malays and Bumiputera communities.

Among the unfounded claims, he said, was that Malay reserve land would be used for urban redevelopment.

"The Malays living in flats built in the 1960s are among the poorest, so we considered redevelopment but were hindered by existing laws.

"The Malay reserve land remains as it is. The legislation simply ensures Malays living in cities do not continue to endure s...