IPOH, Feb 8 — Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said today that the proposal to nominate Chinese New Villages in Selangor as Unesco World Heritage sites is not intended to adopt a zero-sum game approach.
He said the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) continues to support the Madani Malaysia principle, which emphasises six important values: sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust and compassion, which are the pillars of Malaysia's direction towards becoming an advanced and prosperous nation.
“I have emphasised many times that the philosophy of leadership in KPKT is based on the Rukun Negara, and I am committed and eager to walk the talk.
“Therefore, all accusations related to me or the government challenging the interests of Malays and Bumiputeras does not make sense and are untrue,” he said in a statement today.
Nga said that many people-friendly initiatives, regardless of race, religion, and ethnicity have been implemented by KPKT throughout last year, while citing the example of the ministry allocating RM42 million to build new houses or repair 2,016 homes for the poor and hardcore poor in urban areas.
“In addition, KPKT, through the Fire and Rescue Department, has improved 400 fire brigade quarters throughout the country with an allocation of RM50 million, and much more,” he said.
Nga said that to preserve the identity of the royal towns as symbols of national sovereignty, KPKT has also introduced the Royal Town Development Planning Guidelines (GPP) applicable to nine royal towns in Peninsular Malaysia as a development guide covering heritage, economic and tourism identity aspects.
In recognition of local authorities that can meet the government and people's requirements and enhance local economic growth, he said KPKT has acted promptly in the process of upgrading the status of local authorities.
“Two local authorities have been upgraded, namely the Pekan Royal Town Council and Royal Klang City Council last year,” he said.
Nga was reported to have proposed nominating New Chinese Villages in Selangor as Unesco World Heritage sites to recognise their cultural and historical significance but added that it will be discussed with the Selangor government.
In June last year, Nga also nominated seven new villages in Penang, Selangor, Perak, Melaka and Johor as Unesco World Heritage sites.
— Bernama
