Approval for transfer of ownership in Pasir Pinji land withdrawn - NST

IPOH, Wed: April 16, 2008 by Brenda Lim

The Perak Government has withdrawn approval for a political party to obtain a plot of land in Pasir Pinji as the transfer of ownership would be unfair to a soya sauce factory operating on the site for decades.

“There may be an element of victimisation and grabbing the rights of others in the matter,” Perak Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said today. "Why would a political party, with a base in Ipoh Timur, apply for land in Pasir Pinji, knowing that it was already being used by the soya sauce company? If the party wanted to help, why apply for the land ownership to be transferred to the political party?" he said.

He said approval for the transfer of ownership was made by the previous Barisan Nasional administration and could be revoked by the present administration as the deed had yet to be issued.

"We want to bring back justice, to return the rights to the people who were being victimised," he said, adding that the land office would be directed to look into the matter.

On other matters, he said the State Government was keen that programmes under the Northern Corridor Economic Region would continue along with other mega-project promised by the Federal Government.

"Those promised by the Federal Government should rightfully be continued. Don't stop it because it will cause fear among investors and the people," he said after chairing the weekly executive council meeting.

During the meeting, it was decided that schools which were not fully aided by the government be charged a nominal fee of RM1 quit rent in appreciation for their efforts.

This would apply to vernacular schools, private and independent schools and private religious schools, he said.

Nizar also declared every Tuesday as "Clients Day", pledging that all levels of authority, from district level officers to executive councillors and himself, would hear the appeals and grouses of the public.