BUTTERWORTH: Penang Regional Development Authority's (Perda) is planning to open up 10 per cent of its quota to allow non-Bumiputeras to take part in the agency's programmes and activities.
This was one of five main policies highlighted by its newly-appointed chairman, Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla, during the monthly gathering with Perda staff at its headquarters, here, today.
He said the plan was doable because according to the Perda Act, the federal agency is open to all in the rural areas.
“The Bumiputeras need not worry as the Malays will continue to be protected as enshrined in the Constitution. But at the same time, Perda can’t neglect the non-Bumiputeras, who may also need help from the agency.
“This has been spelled out in the Perda Act but was never implemented by the previous administration.
"Now, after 36 years of its inception, we will open up 10 per cent quota to non-Bumiputeras to participate in our programmes and activities,” he told a press conference here today, outlining his vision and mission.
He, however, said the plan could only be implemented after discussions with Perda board members in a meeting scheduled on Feb 4.
“I am introducing these new policies to return the agency back to its main role,” he added.
Haniff was appointed to head Perda on Jan 5. Perda was established on June 1, 1983, as an agency to develop Penang, especially the mainland, under the purview of the Prime Minister’s Department.
Meanwhile, he added that Perda is also planning to open up positions in the agency to eligible non-Bumiputeras.
Earlier, he vowed to clean up the agency from any wrongdoings and to get back lost properties and assets so as to ensure the people can benefit from them.
In a related development, Haniff said two programmes for the island and mainland will be implemented this year.
“However, we are faced with some legal constraints and hope to resolve them soon. We will announce both projects by mid-February." he said.