GEORGE TOWN — State initiatives should benefit all Malaysians equally, and not certain segments of society, according to lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan.
His response came after the Penang government’s move to offer a 5% discount to Indian Muslims for the purchase of residential and commercial units under the newly introduced federal housing ownership campaign.
Rajesh said that this move by the state government was entirely unconstitutional, as it breaches Articles 8(1) and 8(2) of the Federal Constitution, which ensure that everyone is equal under the law and has the right to equal legal protection.
The lawyer also emphasised that the Constitution clearly forbids any form of discrimination based on religion, race, or descent.
“Public funds and state-backed initiatives must benefit all Malaysians equally, and must not be used for preferential treatment for selected groups. It is clearly a racist policy,” Rajesh said in a statement today.
“We strongly condemn this policy and demand its immediate withdrawal. The DAP government must be reminded that it is duty-bound to uphold the Constitution and not to undermine it with policies that promote racial and religious division.”
Rajesh statement followed yesterday’s announcement by Penang’s Housing and Environment executive councillor Datuk Seri S Sundarajoo that the state government will offer a 5% discount to Indian Muslims for the purchase of residential and commercial units under the newly-introduced Madani Home Ownership Campaign (MOC), as part of the Madani Inclusive Property Sector Catalyst Policy.
Sundarajoo said the discount would be available throughout the campaign period, from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, to boost the sale of such properties, Bernama reported.
Commenting further, Rajesh said that the discount policy runs contrary to the fundamental principles of fairness and equality that should govern public policy — June 6, 2025