Ong: MCA reps duty-bound to help people

The Star 07/04/2004

PETALING JAYA: MCA elected representatives will help anyone needing aid as it is their duty to do so, said party president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting.

Speaking during a radio programme on Star RFM yesterday, he said it was the job of the party’s elected representatives to do so.

Ong gave this assurance when replying to a caller from Johor who was complaining over the inability to get the land title for his house in a new village in Kulai despite having paid the fees six months ago.

ON THE AIR: Ong speaking to callers on Star RFM’s special live programme yesterday morning.
“Do you know the MP in your area? You can look for him and tell him that I told you to do so. It is their job to assist you,” he told the caller.

“You can look for the service centre of the MCA MP in Kulai. I can ensure you that he will assist you. I have given all MPs a very clear directive. They must assist all those who need help and the staff at the service centre must be ever ready to help,” Ong said during the live programme aired at 8am.

“If you cannot find anyone there, you can complain to me,” added Ong.

The caller, who claimed to have gone to the land office several times over the last two weeks, in return expressed his gratitude and happiness for being able to speak to the MCA president directly.

Ong, who is also Tanjung Piai MP and Housing and Local Government Minister, added that the Government was concerned about the work attitude of its employees and was looking for ways to improve the situation.

The second caller talked about some housing problems he had and was duly advised by Ong about the kind of cases that could be brought to the House Buyers’ Claims Tribunal.

He told the second caller that it was not true that housing developers could influence government officers.

“Nothing can influence me and I will protect the welfare of the buyers,” Ong said.

The third caller asked whether there would be discounts for disabled house buyers and Ong said it was a good suggestion.

“The Cabinet has decided that the new Women, Family and Community Development Ministry will help disabled people with skills get jobs.

“I believe they can contribute to the society and should be given due recognition,” he said before ending the 30-minute session.

Earlier, Ong said issues related to poverty should not be neglected and would instead be dealt with with urgency.