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17th June, 2012
GEORGE TOWN: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday announced a federal government plan to enable bumiputeras in Penang to own houses, the cost of which has become exorbitant.
He said the government would soon build 250 units of medium-cost houses in Kampung Permatang Tok Subuh, Bukit Minyak, where the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department had identified a site.
He also said that he had instructed the ICU to find other suitable sites for the construction of affordable homes.
“Accommodation is a major issue, and the income of many people is insufficient for them to own houses. We will overcome this problem. It needs an immediate solution,” he said when addressing about 6,000 people of 60 Malay non-governmental organisations at Dewan Tunku Syed Putra of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), here.
Muhyiddin arrived in Penang this morning for a day-long working visit.
Also present at the event were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Penang Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Teng Chang Yeow, Penang Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman and other state BN leaders.
Muhyiddin also urged the Malay NGOs in Penang to work together to consolidate bumiputeras in the state as a united community.
“Our unity is important. Penang Malays cannot be disunited. You, NGO leaders, are those who have to forge bonding. We cannot afford to be disunited. United we stand, divided we fall,” he said.
Muhyiddin said the federal government would channel funds to the NGOs or associations to implement various suitable activities more effectively, and announced a RM10,000 allocation for every NGO present at the event.
“I hope the activities can be carried out immediately,” he said.
Muhyiddin reiterated that the federal government remained committed to assisting the people reap the benefits from its ongoing transformation programmes.
“The government takes the needs of the people seriously. The federal government emphasises education. We must not neglect our children’s education.
They should not drop out of school.
“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tuan Razak and I often go down to the ground, and every week we hold discussions. Then, we bring matters to the Cabinet to let it determine what form of aid the people should get to meet their needs,” he said.
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