WHAT a beautiful gesture by the Penang state government to repay its constituents in a manner which will leave a lasting impression.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said that Penang is expected to adopt a new land policy which will see leasehold residential land titles converted to freehold.

This news must have brought relief and smile, especially to elders who would have spent their life savings to buy a piece of property and it is only natural to feel a little apprehensive when the lease is almost up. Kudos to the caring government for having the people’s interest at heart.

In Selangor, before the elections, there were grouses aired by both the government and rakyat over residential land lease, in old Petaling Jaya districts some of which had only a couple of years more to expire. There was some concern as to the premium that would be charged for extension. Following the elections, nothing is heard of this issue anymore.

If the Selangor government can follow the example of its Penang counterpart, what a joy this would bring to house-owners.

N. Das
Petaling Jaya

Source: The Sun – May 28, 2008