Issue has far-reaching consequences
New Straits Times 19/2/2005

I refer to the views expressed in PropertyTimes in the Jan 22 issue by Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) and by the Association of Consultant Engineers Malaysia (ACEM) in the Jan 29 issue on the subject of self-certification for the issuance of Certificates of Fitness for Occupation (CFs).

This idea was mooted by our Prime Minister, after being briefed on the large number of complaints about the late issuance of CFs.

It was an idea but there was no final decision and hence, any debate on the subject does not constitute a disagreement with our Prime Minister.

PAM, ACEM and the National House Buyers Association (HBA) have expressed a lot of views on the subject.

I would like to appeal to all readers, who are house buyers or are planning to buy their own houses, to express their views on this proposal.

I would also like to appeal to the Housing and Local Government Ministry to do some detailed studies, and even soul-searching, so that any proposal it puts to the Cabinet for final decision is one that has taken the views of the people into consideration.

Any ruling the Cabinet adopts is likely to have far-reaching consequences that will affect all future house buyers.

The fears expressed by the HBA are real, founded and genuine. The arguments opposing self-certification by industry professionals certainly warrant further study and research. The case for maintaining a stringent check-and-balance system can be found, especially in those countries that have indulged in self-certification for the issuance of CFs but have failed to achieve the desired results.

Let us not choose speed over safety, and even lives.

Said Ali
Shah Alam