GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government will review its decision to offer a 5% discount to first-time homebuyers among the Indian Muslim community for one year before implementing it, says Steven Sim.
The Penang DAP chairman said he had discussed the matter with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, adding that the latter agreed the matter to be brought up for review and discussion at the upcoming state executive council meeting.
"I take note of the public feedback regarding the 5% discount given to the Indian Muslim community for the purchase of unsold (overhang) property units in Penang," he said in a statement.
Sim said it is important for the state government to continue upholding the principles of social justice and to ensure that the right of every Malaysian to own a home is protected.
Earlier, state housing committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said the state government has approved measures to revitalise the property sector.
Sundarajoo said the decision was made during the state executive council meeting on Saturday (June 7) and the state planning committee meeting on Tuesday (June 3), following discussions with housing industry stakeholders.
He, however, said the discount excludes bumiputra quota units and does not affect existing housing policies.
The provision of the discount is based on developers' social responsibility and does not involve financial support or subsidies from the state government.
Meanwhile, state MCA secretary Yeoh Chin Kah criticised the state government over the measure, questioning if it introduces a new form of racial quota.
He questioned why the Penang government couldn’t base its housing policy on economic status rather than race and religion and said that DAP is promoting a "Malaysian Malaysia" while introducing racial policies that divide society.
