No shame in getting tips on housing from Singapore, says Tebrau MP

JOHOR BARU: Affordable housing issue is one of the most pressing and concerning problems for Malaysians especially in major cities in the country.

Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (pic) said it was getting more difficult and frustrating for the people to acquire a house as the cost of housing has gone up every year.

"The government is on the right path in trying to find a workable solution to address the home-ownership issue for the people," he said in a statement released on Friday (Jan 27).

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Puah said this included plans by the Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming to invite experts from other countries including Singapore to improve the country’s existing housing policy.

However, it did not go well with several politicians including Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor who has criticised Nga’s move.

The Kedah Mentri Besar was reported as suggesting that Nga's ministry was attempting to carry out the Silk Road agenda from China in a video of him taken during a recent rally in Sik that was circulated online.

The Johor PKR vice-chairman said the racial undertone and politicking were totally unwarranted.

"Of course, our civil servants have performed admirably in trying to provide housing accommodation to all Malaysians," said Puah.

He added there were existing policies such as PR1MA (1Malaysia Housing Programme), People’s Housing Programme (PPR) among many that had provided a roof over the head for Malaysians especially during these challenging times.

Puah said those that criticise the government policies, should do so with an unbiased lens and debate it on its merits versus the needs of society.

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He added they should place public interests over personal and political interests which would not benefit the millions of Malaysians desperate for housing.

Puah said there was no shame in admitting that the Singapore Housing Development Board (HDB) policy was one of the most successful in the world.

"Not only does it provide quality and affordable housing accommodation for its citizens, but the subsequent maintenance is also great," he said.

Puah said what was so wrong in wanting to learn from other’s success stories, adding only those with siege mentality will resist this opportunity.