Set up ombudsman to probe delays, says HBA
The  Star 21/1/2006

KUALA LUMPUR: An independent ombudsman should be set up to investigate delays by the Insolvency Department in tackling outstanding issues.

National House Buyers Association (HBA) secretary-general Chang Kim Loong, who made the call, said the proposed ombudsman should investigate and make recommendations to do away with redundant practices and to streamline and resolve matters.

On Monday, Court of Appeal judge Justice Gopal Sri Ram ticked off the Insolvency Department after its representative failed to appear in court for an appeal case filed three years ago.

Chang, who lauded the move by Justice Sri Ram, said it was time the department woke up and act on impending matters as the day-to-day lives of the public were affected when the developer wound up.

Citing an example, he said if a developer of an apartment complex was wound up by court, the buyers were left in the lurch as they would face management and maintenance problems, including rubbish disposal and prohibition of sale transaction and refinancing of property, until the department took over the affairs of the defunct company.

“HBA is a non-profit organisation manned by professional volunteers who contribute their time to help house buyers and stratified property owners.

“If volunteers can offer their services for free, the public servants in that position should do the job they are paid for and not shun their responsibilities,” he said yesterday.