GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government has agreed to review and discuss the five per cent housing discount for first-time Indian Muslim homebuyers at the upcoming state executive council (exco) meeting.
State DAP chairman Steven Sim Chee Keong said he had discussed the matter with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
“I acknowledge the public feedback regarding the five per cent discount given to the Indian Muslim community for the purchase of unsold property units (overhang) in Penang.
“I have discussed this matter with YAB Chow (Kon Yeow), and he has agreed to bring this issue up for review and discussion at the upcoming exco meeting,” he said in a statement.
As a party founded on the Federal Constitution, Sim said DAP had always championed justice and the welfare of all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion.
“It is important for the Penang state government to continue upholding the principle of social justice and to ensure the rights of every Malaysian to own a home are protected,” he added.
Earlier today, state Housing Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said the offer of a five per cent discount for first-time homebuyers from the Indian Muslim community in Penang does not involve units under the Bumiputera quota and does not affect any existing home ownership policies.
He said the initiative was part of efforts to expand home ownership opportunities in the open market, particularly for groups with low participation rates, without affecting the rights of other communities.
This came after human rights lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan criticised the move.
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