KUCHING: Joseph Chieng, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate for Bukit Assek, will propose a “Rent to All” concept as part of his election promise for affordable homes in the constituency.

       He said the concept would enable people to own property at affordable prices, and young couples should be given priority.

       “The main problem for young couples is the price of houses and the money they need to come up with for down payment.

       “If I am elected, I will propose the ‘Rent to All’ concept to the state government,” he said on Friday (Dec 10).

       This is the first election outing for Chieng, who is from Sarawak People’s United Party - a component party of the four-member GPS.

       The constituency is seeing a six-cornered fight.

       Bukit Assek is an urban seat in Sibu and is a Chinese-majority area.

       Chieng believes this offer will attract the young, which would also benefit the B40 group residing in Bukit Assek.

       “That is why I came up with the ‘Rent to All’ concept. If we don’t introduce such a plan, it will not be possible for people to own property in this prime area,” he said.