Unit to facilitate private-public partnerships to develop public housing proposed

PETALING JAYA (Aug 21): The Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, Housing & Local Government plans to table a proposal to set up a unit under the National Housing Department to facilitate private-public partnerships in developing public housing projects (PPR).

Speaking to reporters after the opening ceremony of the 18th National Housing & Property Summit held by Asian Strategy & Leadership (Asli) today, minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan (pictured) said the functions of this unit is to understand the needs and challenges of developers, and hence providing solutions to issues faced by developers.

Its function would complement to that of the National Housing Department, which regulates the industry.

"This unit will allow the federal government to have better access to development and industry issues in the country," he said.

That includes the possibility of redevelopment and rejuvenation of areas and projects, as well as helping to match the supply and demand of Bumiputera lots.

The CEO of the unit, he added, will be the minister, and members will be experts from the industry.

This proposal will be tabled later today at the National Housing Council meeting at Putrajaya, where prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will be attending.

Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, director of Asli applauded the proposal as it will serve as a platform to understand the industry, instead of controlling the industry.

"Both functions (controlling and understanding the industry) must be balanced," he added.

On the issue of some RM30 billion worth of assets which will be parked under a RM2 company named Darul Ehsan Investment Group, Abdul Rahman said the Selangor government needs to clarify on the matter.

"The chief minister should explain this issue to the public now, rather than answering it only at the next state assembly sitting," he added.