SINGAPORE : Singapore Democratic Alliance's candidate for
Tampines GRC, Edmund Ng says he is taking up the challenge by
National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan to build HDB flats at
lower cost.
Mr Ng says he has written to the Housing and Development Board
requesting for costing information.
But Mr Mah, who is leading the PAP team in Tampines GRC, says the
SDA candidate is just 'fishing' for figures and he has asked the
HDB not to entertain him.
At a recent rally, Mr Ng had said it costs just $70,000 to $80,000
to build an HDB flat priced at $250,000.
In response, Mr Mah issued him a challenge, asking the HDB to
subcontract building projects to Mr Ng.
When asked about Mr Ng's letter to HDB asking for cost details, Mr
Mah says the onus is on the SDA candidate to back up his
estimates.
Mr Mah says: "He is fishing for figures. He's got absolutely no
clue what is going on. He just makes this allegation, just shooting
from the hip. I've asked HDB not to entertain him."
He says HDB flats are heavily subsidised and that its prices are
based on market value.
Mr Mah says: "The market value of the flat includes construction
cost, land cost, infrastructure cost, providing lifts on every
floor, and it varies from place to place."
So what is Mr Ng's next move?
Mr Ng "We have better things to do. We are currently very busy with
the unemployment job portal. We don't run the HDB. It's up to them
to disclose. It's up to them to be transparent."
As for the SDA employment website, Mr Ng says it has so far
received 50 applications from Tampines residents since it was
launched on Labour Day.
Mr Ng says it will kick start phase two of its employment
initiative by linking up with companies situated in Tampines,
Changi, Bedok and Loyang to help residents find jobs nearer to
their homes. - CNA/de
