LAHAD DATU: Silam branch head of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Johani Abd Halim yesterday said he would strive and work hard to defend the rights of the indigenous people and to help resolve the problems faced by them.
Johani who was recently appointed chairman of the community bureau of Felda and the indigenous people of Sabah said, his appointment reflects the concern the party has on the customary land conflict faced by the indigenous people and Felda.
He raised several issues and urged the government to immediately take action and to the find best solutions to help the people.
“The government should take immediate action to resolve the Bandar Sri Gemilang housing project which has been abandoned and imposing a financial strain on house buyers.
“The project should have been completed in 2009 but has been abandoned for reasons known only to the developers and the project site is heavily covered by bushes and undergrowths,” he said.
According to Johani, complaints have been received about the project and most buyers are burdened by their monthly installments as the bank has approved their housing loans.
60 per cent of the buyers, of the housing project which was started on 2006 for the construction of about 10,000 units of houses, comprise of civil servants and teachers.
Deductions have been made from their salaries to repay for the housing loans.
Meanwhile, he also commended the district police for their commitment to reduce crimes in the district.
“We hope the police can strengthen their continuous effort to combat crime,” he said.