Task force to assist non-Muslim groups
Ling says Johor government will address matters with a more systematic approach.
A SPECIAL task force has been formed by Johor government to address matters affecting non-Islamic religious groups.
Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the task force, co-chaired by himself and state unity, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar, was approved during a state executive council meeting in late April.
'The task force will focus on resolving long-standing issues faced by non-Islamic religious groups, especially in relation to reserve land status, land ownership transfers and property tax.
'Instead of addressing such matters on a case-by-case basis, as was previously done, the state government is now taking a more systematic approach through the task force,' he said in an interview.
Ling, who is also MCA Youth chief, said the task force was gathering all relevant data and documents before convening in mid-June to discuss and resolve the issues.
He added that the state government was open and willing to listen to the people's voices.
'Recently, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi helped iron out technical issues for the proposed SJK(C) Kuek Ho Yao.
'The construction of the school was put on hold and delayed for years due to land-related matters.
'With support from the Mentri Besar, a piece of land has been specifically marked for the school and handed over to the Federal Lands Commissioner,' he said.
Ling said Onn Hafiz was open to assisting in matters related to the Chinese and Indian communities, especially regarding education, culture and religion.
He said in recent years, the state granted exemptions for property tax involving Chinese independent schools including Foon Yew High School's Seri Alam campus, which was announced in January.
'The paperwork for the tax exemption has been completed and will be brought to the state executive council meeting for approval soon.
'We are committed to finding fair and practical solutions to these issues so that development and harmony can continue to flourish in the state,' he said.
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