Why the problems stay: Sabah PAS
- KOTA KINABALU: Sabah PAS said the perennial problem of squatters and illegal immigrants in the State stemmed from empty promises and irregular distribution of low cost houses.
Responding to Monday's remarks by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Abdul Halim Ali, he said much of the problem was contributed by the attitude of State leaders.
He claimed that prior to any State election, Barisan Nasional leaders would make "all sorts of promises" such as retaining squatter colonies for conversion as traditional kampungs.
But the colonies would be demolished almost immediately after the election, he said.
Hamzah said the Government should be more sensitive to the plight of local squatters by allocating them alternative sites for resettlement.
He also claimed that the low-income group and squatters were deprived of a chance to own low-cost houses, thus resulting in the growth of squatter colonies.
He said it had been an open secret that those close to influential figures in the ruling government enjoyed preference in the allocation of low-cost houses that in turn were renovated into high-end residences.
There had also been instances where some people were given an opportunity to own several low-cost houses to be rented out, he said.
On the issue of illegal immigrants, he claimed the State leaders were not serious in their efforts to curb them from coming to the State.
"What we see in courts of law…that most of these illegals have voted several times in the election," he said.
http://www.infosabah.com.my/Daily_Express/mar/01-03-2000.htm#news7
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