SPNB chief should produce results or resign, says MP

The Star 13/7/2004

A BACKBENCHER has proposed that the new management of Syarikat Perumahan Nasional Berhad be given three months to resolve problems pertaining to rumah mesra rakyat (people-friendly home schemes).

Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (BN – Labuan) said SPNB should review its policies to protect the rights of housebuyers, particularly low-income earners.

“SPNB should be able to introduce new policies during the tabling of the next national Budget. Otherwise, the chairman should resign,” he said when debating the Housing Loan Fund Bill.

He also urged the Government to amend laws on housing in a holistic manner to protect the rights of housebuyers. “The amendment should not be done on a piecemeal basis. There should be a win-win situation so that all parties are protected.”

He said the Housing Loan Fund Bill should take into consideration low-rung civil servants, low-income earners operating their own small-scale businesses, disabled persons, single mothers and houseowners whose houses were destroyed in fires.

Liow Tiong Lai (BN – Bentong) said that it was time the Government ensured that banks took action against developers for abandoning projects.

Yeng Peng (BN – Puchong) concurred with Suhaili.

He also proposed that the Government abolish assessment for low-cost houses.