En bloc sales should be unanimous

I refer to the Horizon Towers saga.

The concept of en bloc sales should be reviewed. En bloc should mean “all agree to sell”. The premise that you can sell away another’s right to live in peace, provided 80 per cent give support: This is the crux of the issue. It’s an unsound premise.

The underlying assumption of an en bloc is to take away another’s right. En bloc sales should not be allowed without unanimous consent. No amount of checks and balances can safeguard property owners from what’s wrong to begin with. This is how en bloc sales give rise to such a labyrinth of mishaps.

The right given to some to disregard others: Nothing good can come of this. It’s plain un-neighbourliness. Add to this the monetary incentive of keen sellers versus an individual’s desire to keep his home.

The result can only be a painful outcry from people who love their homes versus the activities of those who, by law, are encouraged to trample on their neighbour’s rights.

Majority rule may apply to many issues but not the home. En bloc sales should only be allowed if 100 per cent of owners agree.

Letty Aw Siew Hua