PUTRAJAYA – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on civil servants to stand behind the Kota Madani development, describing it as a transformative housing initiative aligned with the nation’s Madani values and not merely a construction project.
Speaking during the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly here today, Anwar addressed recent criticisms surrounding the project and stressed its long-term importance for civil servants still awaiting access to affordable housing, local media reported.
“Recently, we launched Kota Madani and, as usual, it became the target of political attacks. I don’t mind, but I just want to stress that the government understands the housing issues civil servants face,” he said.
“For this reason, I urge civil servants to take note of this effort and defend its concept. Many seem uncomfortable—perhaps representing contractors or other interests—but I can’t understand why support cannot be given to a development meant for civil servants.”
Anwar, who also holds the Finance Minister portfolio, underlined that the RM4 billion project is not a strain on public funds, as it will be executed under a public-private partnership using the build, lease, maintain, and transfer (BLMT) model. The development is spearheaded by Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd (PjH), with no direct government expenditure at the initial stage.
The Kota Madani project, launched on June 26 in Precinct 19, is envisioned as a smart, sustainable township designed with people and the environment in mind. It will provide 10,000 high-density residential units capable of housing more than 30,000 residents, supported by a wide range of public amenities including schools, a mosque, a gymnasium, a playground, and vertical educational institutions.
“This is not a typical housing development. It’s designed for exceptional comfort with nearby facilities—schools, mosques, gyms, and playgrounds. All aspects are considered to make this a modern city built on Madani principles,” Anwar said.
He added that the project incorporates elements of modern city planning, including artificial intelligence, smart digital infrastructure, and green mobility systems, alongside essential facilities such as TVET institutions, health clinics, police and fire stations, banks, and culturally inspired architectural design to preserve local heritage.
Construction is slated to begin in September this year, with completion expected by the end of 2027.
Acknowledging ongoing housing challenges, Anwar also praised Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) for restoring nearly 98 per cent of previously damaged government quarters. However, he admitted the demand for such housing remains high, with thousands still on waiting lists.
He urged critics not to politicise the initiative, which he described as a concrete solution to long-standing housing issues faced by civil servants.
“Let us not allow this meaningful effort to be reduced to cheap political fodder. This is the right of civil servants who have sacrificed so much for the country,” he said.
Also present at the event were both Deputy Prime Ministers, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. – June 30, 2025