DAP’s Anthony Loke will convene a meeting to resolve the public spat over new Penang land tax rates, urging internal party resolution.

GEORGE TOWN: DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke will convene a meeting involving former and current Penang chief ministers to resolve the dispute over new quit rent rates.

Loke said the party’s central leadership is deeply concerned over the public spat between Lim Guan Eng and Chow Kon Yeow.

He described the situation as unhealthy and inappropriate amid current geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

“Any disagreements, especially those raised by backbenchers, regarding state government decisions, should be addressed through established internal mechanisms rather than being aired publicly,” he said.

Loke stressed the need to review quit rent rates in commercial zones to ensure the state government’s financial sustainability.

He insisted the approach must be balanced, responsive, and considerate.

Loke said quit rents involving educational institutions, such as public schools, should not be increased excessively.

He stated a nominal rate should be applied for such institutions.

The state government implemented a review of quit rent rates and the gazettement of rural to urban land from January 1.

The revision is in accordance with the provisions of Section 101 of the National Land Code.

It involves nearly 370,000 land titles throughout Penang across various categories.

These categories include residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and other special uses.

Chow had earlier expressed regret that certain parties sensationalised the increase without fully understanding the calculation.

He said they failed to grasp the actual land use involved.

 The Sun Malaysia