GEORGE TOWN: The Federal Government is looking at how it can help the residents of Kampung Lorong Buah Pala.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator Datuk T. Murugiah said: "I will read the memorandum submitted by the residents before working out an amicable solution.
"I will discuss the available options with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak."
He did not rule out the possibility of giving financial assistance but declined to commit himself further.
"The ministry can only decide on providing monetary help after it completes a financial viability study."
Murugiah said Barisan Nasional leaders would do what they could to help the residents of the settlement who have to make way for development.
But he said the issue of the land title came under the state government, so it was difficult for the Federal Government to intervene.
The village residents' association committee said the land on which Kampung Lorong Buah Pala in Bukit Gelugor stands is not freehold, as claimed by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
Committee assistant secretary C. Tharmaraj, in rebutting Lim's statement reported by Bernama yesterday, said a search at the state Land Office revealed that the land was held on a leasehold.
"Lim does not even know the status of the land. Is he getting accurate facts from his people?
"If he cannot get such details right, I think he should go back to Malacca and leave Penang to someone more capable," he said at a press conference.
Tharmaraj distributed to pressmen copies of the document which showed the 99-year lease on the land expired in March 2107.
He also alleged that the state government had on Saturday instructed one of the village residents, who was a Parti Kedilan Rakyat member, to read out a statement praising its handling of the issue at a press conference.
"The statement read out to the press was prepared for her. Such action does not help us. Instead, it has made matters worse and confused residents.
"Such false remarks have affected the state government's integrity."
Despite all that, Tharmaraj said the residents still wanted to meet Lim to find a solution to their problem.
He said an official letter seeking an appointment to see Lim would be delivered by hand to his secretary today at Komtar.
"We will also bring two cows to Komtar with us to show him we are serious."
Committee chairman M. Sugumaran said what the residents wanted had been made clear to the state government many times.
"We just want to remain on this land. Compensation is an issue that does not arise."
Kampung Lorong Buah Pala residents have until Aug 3 to vacate the land to make way for development.
NST
06/07/09
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator Datuk T. Murugiah said: "I will read the memorandum submitted by the residents before working out an amicable solution.
"I will discuss the available options with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak."
He did not rule out the possibility of giving financial assistance but declined to commit himself further.
"The ministry can only decide on providing monetary help after it completes a financial viability study."
Murugiah said Barisan Nasional leaders would do what they could to help the residents of the settlement who have to make way for development.
But he said the issue of the land title came under the state government, so it was difficult for the Federal Government to intervene.
The village residents' association committee said the land on which Kampung Lorong Buah Pala in Bukit Gelugor stands is not freehold, as claimed by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
Committee assistant secretary C. Tharmaraj, in rebutting Lim's statement reported by Bernama yesterday, said a search at the state Land Office revealed that the land was held on a leasehold.
"Lim does not even know the status of the land. Is he getting accurate facts from his people?
"If he cannot get such details right, I think he should go back to Malacca and leave Penang to someone more capable," he said at a press conference.
Tharmaraj distributed to pressmen copies of the document which showed the 99-year lease on the land expired in March 2107.
He also alleged that the state government had on Saturday instructed one of the village residents, who was a Parti Kedilan Rakyat member, to read out a statement praising its handling of the issue at a press conference.
"The statement read out to the press was prepared for her. Such action does not help us. Instead, it has made matters worse and confused residents.
"Such false remarks have affected the state government's integrity."
Despite all that, Tharmaraj said the residents still wanted to meet Lim to find a solution to their problem.
He said an official letter seeking an appointment to see Lim would be delivered by hand to his secretary today at Komtar.
"We will also bring two cows to Komtar with us to show him we are serious."
Committee chairman M. Sugumaran said what the residents wanted had been made clear to the state government many times.
"We just want to remain on this land. Compensation is an issue that does not arise."
Kampung Lorong Buah Pala residents have until Aug 3 to vacate the land to make way for development.
NST
06/07/09
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