Ong: Court’s decision a victory for housebuyers

The Star 15/06/2004

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Court’s decision is a victory for all housebuyers in the country, said Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Ong Ka Ting.

“I welcome the Federal Court’s unanimous decision in dismissing the developer’s appeal,” he said in a statement yesterday.

In future, he said the Government would take stern action against those who did not honour awards made by the Homebuyers Claims Tribunal.

Ong also expressed his appreciation to the Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail for taking this case seriously and for appearing personally to argue the case.

He also thanked the court for giving priority to hearing the case, which is a landmark decision.

”We want to provide ample protection for housebuyers and to ensure that their hard-earned savings are protected and that they are not badly treated by the developers,” Ong added.

Home renovator Wan Wai Kan, one of the housebuyers who was present in court for the decision in Putrajaya, said:

“It is a very good judgment. This is what we have been waiting for. We can iron things out at the tribunal now.”

National Housebuyers Association secretary-general Chang Kim Loong said the decision could only be seen as a promising step towards the successful implementation of the tribunal.