Face me: Jagdeep bins claims against Penang housing policy

GEORGE TOWN – State executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo has called on critics of the state government’s housing policy to have a face-to-face discussion with him. 

Responding to claims that the policy remains unfulfilled in the state, Jagdeep said he is willing to clarify the matter rather than allow them to believe in “lies and slander”. 

“The facts and figures recorded in the state depict a different outcome altogether about housing units,” he said. 

While the Datuk Keramat assemblyman did not name the critics, it is believed that he was addressing the criticism by Penang Perikatan Nasional (PN) politicians in the run-in towards the upcoming state elections. 

The politicians had reportedly said that affordable housing in Penang remains out of reach for the working class here. 

“If you have any problems, come and see me. I will give you the exact picture of the state of our affordable housing.  

“You hurl empty accusations, and in the end, it hurts the civil service who are hard at work to ensure that everybody gets a home here.”

Speaking at the recent launching of the state’s first urban regeneration housing project, Bandar Mahsuri, the eldest son of the late DAP stalwart leader Karpal Singh pointed out that Penang has actually exceeded its housing target. 

“Under Pakatan Harapan (PH) 2018 state manifesto, 76,365 affordable units of various categories were promised. 

“Now, Penang has built up to 100,155 units as of today. 

“The state is now on track towards achieving an affordable housing range of 220,000 units when it achieves its Vision 2030,” he said. 

The development masterplan is part of the Pakatan Harapan-led state government to transform Penang into a global cityscape. 

“Penang is also the first to lead the nation in terms of completion to affordable housing units and the state also has the lowest price of RM42,000 compared to other states, whose lowest range is around RM60,000. 

“On top of this, the state also offers a unique rent and buy scheme where the poor get to rent homes with a monthly fee of RM200 for a period of 15 years. 

“After which, they will become owners of the homes that they are leasing now,” he said. Penang, he said, is now actively pursuing urban regeneration projects by taking over old and abandoned housing schemes and offering them to developers to redevelop into affordable housing schemes with social amenities. 

“Another critical aspect of future development is reclamation. Although essential, (it) takes time, so we are going into urban regeneration.” 

“Penang has been looking at the development models in Hong Kong and Singapore, as the state is lagging behind other island-centric economies in terms of regenerating old living spaces,” he said. 

At Bandar Mahsuri, which is being developed by the Hunza Development Group, five blocks consisting of 1,800 urban regeneration units will be built in the Bayan Baru satellite township. 

The majority of the units will be sized at 850sqft with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Meanwhile, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit slammed PN for showing that they still do not understand Penangites and have a total lack of respect for the state, 

“They believe that taking Penang is just a move to add to the collection of states under their control,” said Lee, in reference to the launching of the PN election machinery by its chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin last weekend. 

Muhyiddin had claimed that there is a chance for PN to reclaim Penang despite an uphill battle as the state has long become the bastion for Pakatan Harapan (PH). 

“Penang is the beacon of tolerance and harmony. We have set an example for the country and therefore we are protective of our way of life, culture and proud history,” said Lee. 

“Do you think we take it lightly for PN to come in and try to seize the state with their brand of toxic politics by exploiting race and religion to drive a wedge between us?” 

“Penangites over many decades have always been very protective of our way of life. our tolerance and harmony. We are not about to let PN bring their toxic politics into Penang.” 

“PN underestimated the people here, taking the state for granted and the voters will teach the opposition a lesson that they will never forget,” said Lee. – The Vibes, June 20, 2023