MCA is pleading with the government not to cease federal funding for infrastructural development in some 607 new villages in the country.

This comes after a report quoting the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry as saying it will pass its responsibility for new villages to the local councils these are located in.

NONE In a statement today, MCA new villages affairs bureau chairperson Hoh Khai Mun ( right ) said the ministry should retain its jurisdiction on the matter.

"If this (federal) programme no longer provides funding, existing (infrastructural) projects may face delays and development issues.

"Various projects might be handed over to Class F (bumiputera) contractors who are unfamiliar with the projects and might not complete them successfully," Hoh said.

This, he said, would be aggravated by the absence of village chiefs as MCA members had relinquished all government posts.

"I hope the Housing Ministry will continue with its policy of to channel funding directly to the new villages," Hoh added.

The federal cabinet portfolio of housing and local government, which has all along been overseeing new villages in the country, has until the 13th general election been always held by MCA leaders.