THE selection and offering process for the Rumah MutiaraKu (RMKu) housing scheme is conducted transparently and with integrity, free from interference by any parties with vested interests.
Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said all applications are evaluated fairly based on established criteria, which include the applicant’s status and their seniority on the waiting list.
“The selection and approval decisions are made through meetings of the Housing Outcome Performance Committee (HOPE).
“At present, there are no plans to appoint or involve any elected representatives whether from the government or the opposition to participate in HOPE meetings,” Sundarajoo (PH–Perai) said during his winding-up speech at the Penang State Legislative Assembly in Light Street.
He explained that the offering process has been, and will continue to be, carried out transparently and in real time through the Penang Housing Board’s (LPNPP) housing information system.
“As of Oct 31 this year, HOPE has convened 16 meetings, resulting in 5,567 housing offers being allocated to Penangites,” he revealed.
Separately, Sundarajoo said the proposal to establish a Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tamil (SMKT) is still under discussion and study.
“The committee must first consider several key factors, including securing approval from the Ministry of Education (MoE) and addressing other related requirements.
“If this proposal is successfully realised, it would become the first Tamil national secondary school in Malaysia,” he noted.
He added that he also intends to introduce special education classes in all 28 existing SJK (T) schools in Penang to address the learning needs of students who require specialised support.
“However, this initiative is also still under review and requires further refinement before implementation,” he explained.
Story by Riadz Akmal