THE government is studying the proposal for an anti-hopping law, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said yesterday. In a written reply to Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor), he said the government had to ensure that the democratic parliamentary system was preserved. "The proposal has to be studied and discussed."

Scheme being studied

IT has taken two years to iron out problems on the Full Paying Patient (FPP) scheme. Deputy Health minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said it was necessary to study legalities and regulations to ensure the plan's success. He said the "spirit" of the scheme was to keep medical specialists in government hospitals. "Discussions were held with internal agencies on the mechanism, guidelines and fee structure."

Build first concept

THE build-and-sell concept may be the way of preventing abandoned housing projects, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said yesterday. He said the method is needed as an alternative to the current practice of buyers paying first and getting the homes after a specific period of time. He said the government had also taken initiatives to successfully reduce the number of abandoned projects including salvaging 9,208 units of abandoned houses.