Objectives, success and failure factors of housing public–private partnerships in Malaysia

From time to time, various public agencies in Malaysia have developed houses using the public–private partnership (PPP) approach. The few failed housing PPP projects captured by National Audit point to the necessity for proper implementation. A study was conducted to examine the objectives of housing PPP, the success and failure factors. All government agencies which had adopted housing PPP were targeted. They ranged from state-owned companies to Islamic religious councils. Data were collected using the mixed method of postal questionnaire survey supplemented by interviews and case studies. It was found that the public agencies desired to fulfil an array of objectives when adopting PPP, the most important being to enhance organisational reputation. The success factor which had the most impact was action against errant developers. The failure factor which had the most influential was absence of robust and clear agreement. Malaysian public agencies can use the findings to ensure that their housing PPP will achieve their desired ends.