‘Local council elections not part of manifesto’

IPOH: Holding local council elections is not part of Perak Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto during the 15th General Election, says a newly appointed state executive councillor.

State housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching said such a suggestion was never part of Pakatan’s manifesto this time, and neither was it in Barisan Nasional’s manifesto after the unity government was formed in Perak.

“This issue is being brought up often, but we must look at it thoroughly. Among the factors to consider is its practicality regarding financial issues and whether it needs to be implemented.

“I will be having a meeting soon. The matters will be discussed and looked into,” she told reporters after closing the Perak Trade Expo yesterday.

Harakah Daily published an article stating the dangers of the local council positions being held by DAP.

On another issue, Ng said that despite some applicants fulfilling the requirements to own affordable housing, they somehow face difficulties obtaining loans.

She said most of them facing such issues were those without a permanent income and no pay slips, among others.

“We notice the response from banks is not that encouraging, despite the government’s Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme.

“I hope financial institutions will support the government by considering this category of applicants so they can own a home,” she added.