In his Hari Raya message, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has reminded Penangites about the dividends from the state's anti-corruption policy that has resulted in 'Happy' (Housing Assistance Programme of Penang).
Lim said RM50 million has been allocated for the repair, upgrade and restoration of low (under RM42,000) and medium (under RM72,000) cost flats, which would definitely bring a "big change and better quality of life" for Penangites.
He added that the programme was a first of its kind in a Malaysian state, saying the amount of allocation is a result of the confidence that that the state government can afford the funds thanks to its anti-corruption efforts in 2011.Through its CAT (competent, accountable and transparent) policy, the state had managed to gain RM88 million in 2008, RM777 million in 2009 and RM33 million in 2010, he said.
"The Happy programme is the state government's commitment to bring change to more than 600 people who live in low and medium cost flats," Lim said in a statement.
Explaining how the scheme differed from the federal scheme, he said, "The federal government allocated RM500 million for low cost flats by offering to pay 90 percent of the repair, upgrading or restoration costs while the flat owners bear 10 percent; while it will foot 70 percent and the resident 30 percent of the cost for those who live in medium cost flats.”
"However, this scheme fails because the residents cannot afford to pay either 10 or 30 percent of the cost and the federal government would only agree to work on the flat if there is a firm commitment that the residents can pay their part," he said.
Exclusive for Penang contractors
Lim urged resident associations to apply for the Happy scheme as soon as possible, and hoped that the announcement of the programme will bring cheer to the Hari Raya festivities.
Lim also said open tenders for the work on the flats will be reserved for Penang contractors only, to bring utmost benefit to the state.
"This scheme was not given a big coverage in the newspapers, which are more interested in reporting slander against Penang Pakatan Rakyat leaders. This includes lies from anonymous and paid writers," he lamented.
"It is hoped that Hari Raya this year will be celebrated in a really cheerful and festive mood with a reminder to differentiate between the truth and the false, and to stay away from slander," he added.
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