Penang CM agrees to review Indian Muslim housing discount, Sim says

Summary

• Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has agreed to review the state government's controversial decision to offer an exclusive five percent discount on housing and commercial properties to Indian Muslims.

• Penang DAP chief Steven Sim said that Chow would be discussing the issue in the upcoming state executive council meeting, emphasising the importance of upholding social justice principles and ensuring equal housing rights for all Malaysians.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow will review the state government’s offer of a five percent housing and commercial property discount to Indian Muslims under the Madani Home Ownership Campaign (MOC).

In a statement today, Penang DAP chief Steven Sim said he discussed the issue with Chow, who agreed to discuss the matter in the state executive council meeting.

He explained that the initiative was to address the issue of unsold properties in Penang.

“I have taken note of public feedback regarding the five percent discount given to the Indian Muslim community for the purpose of purchasing unsold property units in Penang.

“As a party founded upon the Federal Constitution, DAP consistently champions justice and welfare for all Malaysians, regardless of race and religion.

“I have discussed this matter with Chow… He has agreed that this matter should be brought forward for review and discussion in the upcoming state executive council meeting.

“It is important for the Penang government to continue upholding the principles of social justice and ensuring that every Malaysian’s right to home ownership is protected,” said Sim, who is also the human resources minister.

On June 5, Penang state executive councillor for housing and environment, S Sundarajoo, announced that the state would grant a special five percent discount to Indian Muslims for residential and commercial properties under the MOC.

This initiative, introduced under the Madani Inclusive Property Sector Catalyst Policy, will run from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, with the stated goal of boosting property sales.

Unfair advantage

Human rights lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan yesterday sharply criticised the state government’s decision to offer the exclusive discount, saying the policy breaches Articles 8(1) and 8(2) of the Constitution, which guarantee all individuals equality before the law and equal protection under it.

“This initiative is deeply divisive, discriminatory, and unacceptable. It blatantly favours one particular race and religious group at the expense of others and runs contrary to the fundamental principles of fairness and equality that should govern public policy.

“Why is the Penang government rewarding Indians who are of the Islamic faith and punishing those who are of the Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Baha’i, or Sikh faith? If this is not discrimination, I don’t know what is,” he said.

Rajesh stressed that the Constitution explicitly prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, or descent.

Demanding an immediate withdrawal of the policy, he insisted that public funds and state-led initiatives must serve the interests of all Malaysians, without racial or religious bias.

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