Just sharing thoughts from reader. Actually he got some realistic point.
Let’s read it – there is one factor in all the reports about the issue raised against UDA Holdings Bhd (UDA) that is most pertinent, at least to me — that the company, since 1996, has not received any financial assistance from the government.
That’s a period over two decades. So, it is understandable that UDA has decided to do joint-venture projects with other companies as one of the initiatives aimed at assisting the continuity of its long-term business operations.
So, it is regrettable that some people see it fit to question such ventures between UDA and non-Bumiputera companies to develop high-rise buildings and mixed development projects although they are mostly bought and owned by non-Bumiputeras.
UDA should be praised, instead, for having a long-term vision by resorting to such ventures, perhaps among the many plans it has in order to meet future challenges, financially.
Many companies in this country, big and small, have over the years joined forces with American, European and other Asian companies to solidify their bottom line. Are we going to cast doubts over those joint ventures too because of the non-Bumiputera narrative? Therefore, UDA is justified to respond to claims made by the Penang Malay Association (Pemenang) that it had diverted from its main responsibility to develop land to benefit the Bumiputera community.
And, judging from the statement by UDA, commenting over certain issues including the above, shows the company has actually been able to move on and plan ahead while maintaining its core mission and vision.
UDA also responded to a claim that it had bought land in Tanjung Tokong at a minimal price, which was developed for other purposes that was seen as not beneficial to the Bumiputera community.
UDA explained that all of the original residents (also known as former Temporary Occupation Licence holders) were given free residential units as part of their resettlement.
A local daily quoted the statement as saying: “Almost all of the resettlement residential units in Tanjong Tokong are given for free to original settlers, eligible children of said settlers and eligible tenants.
“Up until 2020, UDA has completed 1,486 resettlement units for the original Tanjong Tokong residents and UDA is still in the process of redeveloping for the remaining 650 families that is expected to be completed in four years.
“To ensure the families’ welfare is protected, UDA has no plans to demolish the resettlement flats built since they are now the property of the residents.”
UDA will hopefully continue to grow in the short- and long-term period, perhaps even looking at expanding its portfolio by investing in foreign lands. BACALAHMALAYSIA.MY/NST ONLINE
