Human Rights Party (HRP) national advisor N Ganesan has asked Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to rebuild the houses of two fire victims in Kampung Manis, Prai.

In a letter to the chief minister dated Nov 23, Ganesan pleaded the causes of A Muniandy, 57, and M Varatharaju, 44. Both men had lost their wooden houses in a fire last Wednesday.

NONE The fire was allegedly caused by a power trip. The victims estimated that they lost RM30,000 worth of property each in the fire.

"The Pakatan Rakyat state government has often stated that it is a pro-poor government and its basic policy was to allot public funds and resources to meet people's basic needs.

"Here is a case clear of need," Ganesan told reporters at Komtar after handing over the letter to a representative sent by Lim's political secretary Ng Wei Aik.

Last Thursday, Muniandy and Varatharaju each received cash aid of RM2,000 from Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy, who is also Prai assemblyperson.

Thanking Ramasamy for the contribution, Muniandy and Varatharaju said that they were keen to remain in their village, and wanted the state government to allocate sufficient funds to them to rebuild their homes.

They were hopeful the government would grant their pleas as they were reluctant to leave, having lived in Kampung Manis for years.

The duo's families are currently sheltering in a nearby community hall. Muniandy has a wife and five children while Varatharaju has a wife and three children.

'Duo deserving of aid'

NONE In his letter, Ganesan ( left ) said that both Muniandy and Varathraju were odd-job workers earning between RM600 to RM1,000 per month.

"Their incomes are barely enough to support their families under normal circumstances," he wrote.

He further justified the pair's claim to aid by saying that such assistance was not unprecedented as it had been done before for fire and tsunami victims.

kampung buah pala penang p ramasamy meeting 120609 01 When contacted, Ramasamy said he would look into HRP's request and assist the villagers in whatever way possible.

"The state government will not shirk its responsibility.

"We will try to help the victims according to our financial resources," he told Malaysiakini.