Abdul Rahman said every federal housing project had to be brought to the level of the state planning committee which is chaired by the chief minister. The approval authority rested entirely on him, Abdul Rahman said.

“I am disappointed why Guan Eng wants to interfere in the planning permission when it can be managed at the local authority level,” Bernama quoted him as saying. He called for the approving authority to be returned to local councils.

The minister, who is responsible for urban wellbeing, housing and local government, said federal agencies such as the Penang Regional Development Authority and JKP Sdn Bhd faced various obstacles and were being treated like stepchildren.

The agencies were not given the opportunity and space to assist the state government in providing affordable houses for the people.

“What is wrong with JKP and Perda building houses in Penang? Even though they are Federal Government agencies, we are not asking for the relaxation of conditions, but to give the agencies the space and assistance and appropriate approvals for the sake of the people,” he said in George Town today, according to Bernama.

He said what was important for the state government was to assist Federal Government agencies when a certain problem cropped up as it would affect the people.

“If there are confrontations and quarrels with the Federal Government daily, with accusations being hurled, how are we going to cooperate? Give back the approvals to the local authorities,” he said.

Abdul Rahman, who was here to attend party events, said that in other states placed planning permission is usually under the jurisdiction and approval of the local authority, Bernama reported.