Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM) vice-president Huan Cheng Guan said he is shocked to learn that a DAP assemblyperson may take legal action against him for questioning the ownership of a plot of ‘ancestral land’ in Bukit Mertajam.

The threat by Padang Lallang assemblyperson Tan Cheong Heng, who owns the land with his brother Chong Hock, has apparently been reported in the Chinese media.

NONE Huan (right) claimed to have been merely seeking clarification of ownership of the "state land" as the Penang government bars state assemblypersons from owning such lots.

"I have nothing against (Tan). I just asked a few questions and expect the chief minister to answer them," he told reporters.

"Just give me a simple answer, no need to tell me grandfather or grandmother stories.”

Tan had explained that he had registered the ownership in the two names, in accordance with Section 384 of the National Land Code, for a 60-year extension of the lease which will expire in 2071.

The agricultural land is to be used for an oil palm plantation, as explained to Lim at a meeting in 2008, Tan said.

NONE Huan had given Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng (left) three days to respond to the allegations, and Lim had said action would be taken against Tan if the plot is not ancestral land as

Huan thought the issue had been resolved until reports surfaced about possible legal action against him and several MCA leaders for questioning the matter.

"I am disheartened to see that the DAP has become so proud and arrogant that we cannot question their leaders at all," he said.

"What has happened to CAT (competency, accountability and transparency) policy, human rights and freedom of speech?"

He also said that under a temporary occupied licence (TOL), a piece of land cannot be inherited and that licensing approval is given on annual basis.

Such plots can only be used for agriculture and cannot be converted into ‘ancestral land’.

‘Ancestral land’ challenge

Lim had recently said that, under the state government policy, the lease on land for old and new villages will be extended automatically on expiry.

Applications for a 60-year lease extension will receive an 88 percent discount, while those for a 99-year extension will get a 90 percent discount.

While saying he is happy to hear about this policy, Huan asked how many applications the state government has approved since March 2008.

"I want to know when the decision was made, and during which state exco meeting? I would like the DAP to come clean on this and not just say things in self-indulgence (syok sendiri) .

"I would also like to know how many applications have been submitted and approved for TOL land to be converted to leasehold status, and whether discounts have been given or not.”

Huan urged all Penangites who have ancestral land to submit applications to reclaim their land and, while they are at it, to apply for a discount on the premium, as precedent has been established.

PCM is willing to fight for the rights of those who fail to reclaim their land or get discounts, he added.