Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan has been rapped for racialising allegations that certain bumiputera house buyers are being victimised, without first probing the matter.

The urban wellbeing, housing and local government minister was reported yesterday saying he has directed the ministry to conduct an immediate probe into SMS allegations of non-bumiputera housing developers victimising the buyers.

"I fully support a thorough probe and investigation on the above allegation to protect house buyers interest.

"However, by taking a racist angle alleging bumiputera house buyers are being victimised by non-bumiputera housing developers, Abdul Rahman Dahlan ( right ) is trying to stoke the anger of one particular race towards another race based on an allegation that has yet to be investigated.

"It is very irresponsible and unbecoming for a minister to issue a statement like this," said DAP Perak economic development bureau chief Chong Zhemin in a statement today.

He said the minister should instead heed the call of student activists who urged the government to end the abuse of housing privileges for bumiputera and apply assistance to all regardless of race .

"Instead of manipulating racial sentiments, Abdul Rahman should look into the suggestion by Persatuan Mahasiswa Universiti Malaya (PMUM) to extend property discount to all low-income groups regardless of race," said Chong.

He said it is "against social justice" that high income bumiputera enjoy the percent housing purchase discount while a lower income non-bumiputera do not get any discounts.

'Poor subsidising the rich'

He echoed PMUM pointing out the discount is nevertheless absored by the developer and recouped by costing it into other house buyers.

"This would result in the lower income group subsidising the   higher income group which is socially unjust," said Chong.

Abdul Rahman was reported claiming he had received SMS complaints alleging the abuse by "non-bumiputera developers" that he said had gone viral on the internet.

However, the report did not provide any specifics to the allegations.

"Why couldn’t Abdul Rahman look at the issue from a non-racial perspective rather than from a racial lens?

"I urge the minister to immediately retract his statement and issue a public apology to all Malaysians who are offended by his remarks," said Chong.

Gov't to probe claims bumi home buyers victimised