By BERNAMA / Pic By TMR

The elections for local authorities (PBT) may be implemented within at least three years, said Minister of Housing and Local Government  Zuraida Kamaruddin (picture).

She said the three-year target was arrived at as the Pakatan Harapan government has to prioritise other important matters, such as to ensure the country’s financial position is stable.

“We have to look at the cost implications too, but I can see it happening in about three years (from now),” she told reporters after visiting Pinggiran Bukit Jalil transit homes yesterday.

“In the next six months, we will do a detailed study on this matter,” she said, adding that the PBT elections should be implemented because Malaysia is a democratic country, the people have the right to not only choose the central and state governments, but also at the local government level.

“We may also be able to implement this selection in stages like in Selangor and Penang, before it is held nationwide,” Zuraida said.

According to her, the selection of the PBT is not something alien as it has been implemented in several other countries, such as Indonesia and South Korea.

On the issue of young people who reportedly found it difficult to obtain housing loans, Zuraida said the ministry has initiated talks with local banks to find solutions.

“We understand that banks sometimes have strict rules for housing loans, so we will try to present an initiative to help buyers while not adversely affecting the bank,” she said. —

The elections for local authorities (PBT) may be implemented within at least three years, said Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin.

She said the three-year target was arrived at as the Pakatan Hara- pan government has to prioritise other important matters, such as to ensure the country’s financial position is stable.

“We have to look at the cost implications too, but I can see it happening in about three years (from now),” she told reporters after visiting Pinggiran Bukit Jalil transit homes yesterday.

“In the next six months, we will do a detailed study on this matter,” she said, adding that the PBT elections should be implemented because Malaysia is a democratic country, the people have the right to not only choose the central and state governments, but also at the local government level.

“We may also be able to implement this selection in stages like in Selangor and Penang, before it is held nationwide,” Zuraida said.

According to her, the selection of the PBT is not something alien as it has been implemented in several other countries, such as Indonesia and South Korea.

On the issue of young people who reportedly found it difficult to obtain housing loans, Zuraida said the ministry has initiated talks with local banks to find solutions.

“We understand that banks sometimes have strict rules for housing loans, so we will try to present an initiative to help buyers while not adversely affecting the bank,” she said. — Bernama