Penang MCA is mobilising its grassroots machinery to help landowners file appeals against a spike in quit rent, aiming to relieve the “heavy burden” placed on the community.
Chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said the party was responding to a wave of public complaints by forming an action committee, with each division setting up teams to provide assistance to affected small landowners.
Citing a case where a RM60 land tax bill went up to RM27,949 – an increase of 46,482% – Tan said the party would handle the issue in a careful and data-driven manner.
“Many are urging us to play a greater role in addressing this issue.
“While we have played a watchdog role and are often the first to raise attention on unjust policies, external oversight is not enough,” he said during the party’s state Chinese New Year dinner in Jalan Kelawai, George Town.
Tan said the party needed to return to the state legislative assembly to provide more effective checks and balances.
He urged Penang voters to give MCA a mandate in the next general election, saying the party had been seeking a breakthrough since its last stint in the assembly in 2008.
The event also marked the 65th birthday of Tan, who is also MCA vice-president.
He celebrated the occasion with his wife Datin Lau Siew Guek and other party leaders.
Present were MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng and secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
Also in attendance was Chinese Consul-General in Penang Zhou Youbin.
