JOHOR BARU: Affordable housing is one of the most pressing isses that concerns Malaysians, especially those living in major cities.
Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah said it was getting more difficult for people to afford a house as the cost goes up every year.
“The government is on the right path in trying to find a workable solution to address the home ownership issue,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Puah said this included plans by Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming to invite experts from other countries, including Singapore, to improve the country’s housing policy.
However, the suggestion did not go down well with several politicians, including Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who criticised Nga’s move.
In a video taken during a recent rally in Sik, the Kedah Mentri Besar suggested that Nga’s ministry was attempting to carry out the “Silk Road agenda” from China.
The Johor PKR vice-chairman said the racial undertones and politicking in Muhammad Sanusi’s comments were totally unwarranted.
“Of course, our civil service has performed admirably in trying to provide housing for all Malaysians,” said Puah.
He added that there were existing initiatives such as the PR1MA (1Malaysia Housing Programme) and People’s Housing Project (PPR) that had provided shelter to Malaysians, especially during these challenging times.
Puah said those that criticise government policies should do so with an unbiased lens and debate their merits.
He added that they should place public interests over personal and political considerations as this would benefit the millions of Malaysians desperate for housing.
Puah said there was no shame in admitting that the Singapore Housing & Development Board (HDB) was one of the most successful in the world.
“Not only does it provide quality and affordable housing for its citizens, but the subsequent maintenance is also good,” he said, while adding that there was nothing wrong in wanting to learn from other’s success stories.
“Only those with a siege mentality will resist the opportunity,” he said.
