DAP's Seputeh MP Teresa Kok said Zuraida Kamaruddin is not fit to helm the Housing and Local Government Ministry as she encouraged "lawlessness" by allowing hawkers to do business at any "suitable" location in Kuala Lumpur.
In a statement today, Kok (above) rebuffed Zuraida's claim that she was insensitive to the livelihood of the petty traders just for disagreeing with the free-trade policy.
"I am surprised by her criticism against me for questioning Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa's announcement that citizens were allowed to open small businesses at any suitable location.
"Her statement showed that, even as a minister, she is not aware of the problems of illegal traders who breached the laws in many places in Kuala Lumpur.
"Her statement also showed that she is not fit to hold the post of the minister in charge of local government affairs because she encouraged lawlessness in the capital," said Kok.
She stressed that, despite Zuraida's claims, she is concerned about the fate of the petty traders and the problem of unemployment among the citizens.
Instead of encouraging traders to do business at any location which may violate local government regulations, she said Zuraida and Annuar should create more hawker centres, market, and night markets at appropriate venues for petty traders.
She said a 'free-trade zone' would not only cause traffic congestion but could also lead to fights between residents and hawkers, thereby "causing chaos in the city".
Yesterday, Zuraida said she was shocked that Kok, during a debate in the Dewan Rakyat, had opposed the free trade policy which was meant to help the petty traders to carry out economic activities at a time when they were facing challenges in earning an income due to movement restrictions.
"It was particularly disappointing to hear her insinuate that consequent to the free zone proposal, hawker stalls could be set up along Jalan Parlimen. The livelihood of our small traders is not a laughing matter," Zuraida said
Under the "free trade" policy, any small trader can set up a stall anywhere in Kuala Lumpur as long as the area is deemed suitable by the authorities.
The traders only need to apply for a six-month temporary business permit which is free of charge.
Kok also urged Zuraida and Annuar to take note of what was brought up by Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh who alleged that certain politicians and 'NGOs' were posing as 'agents' trying to make a quick buck from applicants to the free trade area.
"I urge them to make a statement and carry out their duty as professional ministers and in line with the rules and laws," she said.
"On top of that, they should hold talks and cooperate with people's representatives especially those from Kuala Lumpur to find ways to help the bottom 40 (B40), instead of twisting truthful statements by lawmakers like myself," Kok added. - Mkini
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