Compiled by Joey
Your State Assembly Representative, or Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN), represents you in the State Assembly. They are your main link to the decision makers of the country.
A State Assemblymen and a Member of Parliament play similar roles as law makers or legislators. The former makes state laws, while the latter makes federal laws — both in accordance with the Federal Constitution.
For example, the state can pass laws on matters relating to land, agriculture, forestry, local government, riverine fishing and Muslim law, among others. It shares jurisdiction with the federal government on matters relating to social welfare, scholarships, protection of wildlife and town and country planning. State legislation does not cover areas such as internal security, defence, civil and criminal law, citizenship, finance, communications, health, labour and commerce and shipping industry.
As laid out by Dr Azmi Sharom, associate professor of Universiti Malaya (http://getanmp.blogspot.com/2008/02/mps-role-jaga-longkang-settle-saman.html), your ADUN's primary duty is to debate and vote on the proposed laws (known as Bills) to ensure that the best possible laws are made. Therefore, they should be well-informed about the Bills they are discussing to be able to debate intelligently.
Your ADUN also helps to check and critique the way government policy is made and implemented and to hold the Executive accountable and help prevent abuse of power.
Your ADUN may also raise issues that are of concern to their constituency, which may be discussed and even legislated. If you would like to raise an issue or a concern to YB Edward Lee, you can contact him at edwardlee.pj[at]gmail.com.
More on state legislative assemblies
There are 13 State Legislative Assemblies (Dewan Undangan Negeri or DUN) in Malaysia, corresponding with the 13 states. Each DUN comprises the head of state, a Speaker and elected representatives. State representatives are chosen via state elections, usually held simultaneously with federal elections.
In Selangor, for example, there are 56 ADUNs. A state assembly member's term is limited to five years. The state assembly must be dissolved before or upon expiration of its term for a fresh election to elect its members.
Local government councillors
For the time being, your state government also appoints local government councilors who make up the Local Authority, namely local municipal councils. Your councillors assist in the management and decision-making processes of the Local Authority by making by-laws and sitting on committees.
The Local Authority is in charge of the management of districts, towns and cities, specifically in the areas of: local environmental matters, licensing of activities, public health, cleanliness of public areas, public amenities, social services and land use planning.
If you have a problem with any of the above issues, you may contact MBPJ at their hotline 03-7954 2020 or your Bukit Gasing Councilors (http://edwardleepj.blogspot.com/2008/09/bukit-gasing-councillors.html).
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Peaceful protest over development
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/12/30/central/2908589&sec=central
By TAN KARR WEI
PETALING JAYA residents ended the year with a strong message that they intend to be heard.
About 200 residents from the area turned up in front of the FAS field in Kelana Jaya to stage a peaceful protest against the development of a commercial hub consisting of:
By TAN KARR WEI
PETALING JAYA residents ended the year with a strong message that they intend to be heard.
About 200 residents from the area turned up in front of the FAS field in Kelana Jaya to stage a peaceful protest against the development of a commercial hub consisting of:
- 20 units of 6½ storey shoplots
- 72 units of 4½ storey shoplots
- two 15 to 28 storey office blocks with 8 levels of podium
- 1 basement car park, and
- four electricity sub-stations.
The protest was organised by the All Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Residents’ Association Coalition (APAC).
Among some of the banners held by residents read “PJ is Overdeveloped” and “Dear developer, we fully support similar development if it is behind/in front/beside YOUR house.”
Taman Mayang Rukun Tetangga chairman Chan Chow Wang said that the jam along the LDP was unbearable and other developments in the area such as the Paradigm was already underway.
“We can’t even get in and out of Taman Mayang from the LDP. When we try to make a U-turn into our area, a stretch of about 500m would take us at least half and hour. To make matters worse, many people are parking along the LDP in front of the Kelana Jaya LRT station,” said Chan.
Chan said that the land was given to FAS to be used as a football field and it was unthinkable to convert the land for commercial use.
APAC chairman Liew Wei Beng said that they would submit an official objection to the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).
“We want this open area to be maintained. The development of this commercial hub will lead to further congestion along the LDP and increase traffic at the tunnel leading into Ara Damansara,” said Liew.
He added that the APAC would also raise the issue of land conversion from institutional to commercial without due process and consultation.
“The first development order was approved in 2006. As far as we know, none of the residents have been consulted before the MBPJ issued the development order then,” said Liew.
Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua said that the residents have spoken loud and clear and steps should be taken to retain as many open spaces as possible.
“There is enough congestion and there should be no development until the traffic problem is solved,” said Pua, who agreed that consultation with residents should have been carried out when converting the land for commercial use.
MBPJ councillor Cynthi Gabriel said that the turnout for the protest was encouraging but that residents still need to submit official objections to the council.
Councillor Mak Khuin Weng said that he was concerned about the discrepancies brought up by residents and would bring up the issue with the MBPJ town planning department.
Many residents in the surrounding area were also upset that only a handful received letters from the MBPJ regarding the development. One resident also claimed that the MBPJ was misleading the people as the objection board put up at the site of the development had no mention of the two blocks of 15- to 28-storey office buildings but it was mentioned in the letters which not many residents received.
Also present was Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Quick Response Team for PJ
By Oh Ing Yeen at the MBPJ full board meeting
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/9/27/central/2131183&sec=central
THE Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will implement the Quick Response Team (QRT) to handle minor grouses in the city beginning Jan 1, 2009, PJ mayor Roslan Sakiman announced at the MBPJ December full board meeting.
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/9/27/central/2131183&sec=central
THE Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will implement the Quick Response Team (QRT) to handle minor grouses in the city beginning Jan 1, 2009, PJ mayor Roslan Sakiman announced at the MBPJ December full board meeting.
“There will be 10 officers from various departments, such as the Landscape, Engineering and Health departments, in the team, for multi-skills and multi-tasking,” he said.
The idea was proposed by MBPJ councillor Michael Soon at the September full board meeting.
PJ folk can look forward to more good news in 2009, such as free medical services for the hardcore poor, people with disabilities, and senior citizens in PJ.
“It costs RM2 million to provide these facilities and only those who have registered are eligible to enjoy free medical treatment at the clinic located in Section 8,” the mayor said.
He added that hygiene and cleanliness would also be a priority in 2009.
Soon: The owner of a closed eatery even said:
‘What’s wrong with being dirty as long as the food tastes good?'
Public Hygiene and Sanitation Committee head Michael Soon said a holistic approach should be taken to tackle cleanliness problems and that people should boycott dirty eateries.
“It’s sad to note that the situation has not changed much. The members of parliament and assemblymen should also co-operate and not take sides.
“The owner of a closed eatery even said: ‘What’s wrong with being dirty as long as the food tastes good?’ The press is hitting on MBPJ (over the issue of hygiene and cleanliness) as it’s more sensational, but why don’t the writers urge the readers to boycott the dirty eateries instead?” he said, adding that, “With garbage hanging on trees, it’s like we have Christmas trees all year long.”
On the issue of illegal billboards in PJ, the mayor announced that seven billboards would be taken down in two to three weeks’ time.
“These billboards were erected in such a way that they would endanger the public,” he said. The billboards that will be taken down include those that are located near the Seri Setia KTM station, Church of St. Francis Xavier and the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) field.
Councillor Derek Fernandez added, “The council is now fine-tuning the guidelines for billboards and we are studying , and deciding on, appropriate sites for the placement of billboards.”
Many councillors brought up the issue of the council’s delivery system and the need to buck up.
“The public wants to see visible changes. There should be service standards for services (such as mending potholes, cutting of trees) to be carried out within a certain time-frame,” Fernandez said.
In his speech, Roslan said that a Strategic Organisation Plan (Pelan Strategik Organisasi) was one of the ways to improve the city council’s delivery system.
“The Plan is important in the MBPJ as a whole as it would be the goal for every department’s plan and implementation.
“As the local authority, the MBPJ is the government’s front-line agency that is most important and closest to the public in delivering its services. Therefore, the services that the public gets from the MBPJ reflects the delivery system’s quality and efficiency as a whole,” he said.
Some councillors also brought up the issue of communication between councillors and the MBPJ department heads.
“Being part-time councillors, we may overlook certain matters as we are too busy, and the council staff just wait for us to follow up,” councillor Latheefa Beebi Koya said, pointing out that it was important for pro-active measures and for the councillors and MBPJ to work hand in hand.
Soon proposed that a Management for Change workshop be organised for councillors and MBPJ staff to deal with change since the Selangor state government is now under Pakatan Rakyat.
Council Anthony Thanasayan suggested that the MBPJ create more job opportunities for the disabled.
More details of the MBPJ 2009 budget are available on the MBPJ website: www.mbpj.gov.my.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Proposal to let Myanmarese refugees work
http://www.thenutgraph.com/proposal-to-let-myanmar-refugees-work
Refugees are hiding out in jungles
"I will propose to the state government to allow them to work legally and under conditions that will benefit both the state and the Burmese communities.
"I think they should also be allowed to occupy abandoned housing projects in the state. They can be given the task of resuscitating the projects by providing labour at reasonable wages, paid by developers appointed by the government to complete the work," he told The Nut Graph.
"But it's important that this is done with proper procedure to avoid conflict with the federal government.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) also lauded the proposal but said it must however be a holistic approach for all refugees instead of just the minority who hide in the jungle.
External relations officer Yante Ismail said although she could not comment specifically on Lee's proposal, any move to allow refugees to earn an income would benefit the country.
"Therefore, a solution like this does not go against what Malaysia stands for," she said, adding that there were 42,800 refugees registered with the UNHCR as of September 2008, of which 37,800 were from Myanmar.
She however said that Malaysia was neither a signatory to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees nor its 1967 Protocol."It has no legislative or administrative provisions in place to deal with the situation of asylum-seekers or refugees in the country," Yante said.
By Elizabeth Looi
Refugees are hiding out in jungles
PETALING JAYA, 9 Dec 2008: Undocumented refugees from Myanmar who are hiding out in jungles in Selangor may be allowed to work legally in the state, if a proposal by Bukit Gasing state assemblyperson Edward Lee comes to fruition.
"I will propose to the state government to allow them to work legally and under conditions that will benefit both the state and the Burmese communities.
"I think they should also be allowed to occupy abandoned housing projects in the state. They can be given the task of resuscitating the projects by providing labour at reasonable wages, paid by developers appointed by the government to complete the work," he told The Nut Graph.If the government takes the initiative and allows the refugees this opportunity, they wouldn't have to stay in the jungle in a deplorable state, Lee added.
This will be a win-win situation as the refugees will get a place to stay, earn a small decent income, and not be hounded by the authorities because of their illegal status. The developers, on the other hand, get to complete and sell their projects, Lee added. The government benefits, as by doing so it avoids bad publicity and a logistic nightmare.
Lee added that there were a lot of Myanmarese refugees who had to live in the jungle to avoid authorities such as Rela, the civil volunteer corps who are empowered to arrest illegal immigrants.
He said although there are also those who stay in the city, many refugees are forced to work illegally, leading to cases of them being exploited.
Lee's proposal has found favour with non-governmental organisation Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram). Its refugee coordinator Temme Lee said it was a great move by the state government but the biggest obstacle still lies within the federal government.
"But it's important that this is done with proper procedure to avoid conflict with the federal government.
"The problem is they (the refugees) need proper documentation that is recognised by Rela and the government," she said when contacted.
She added that Suaram had been trying to push for the government to allow refugees to work and live in the country.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) also lauded the proposal but said it must however be a holistic approach for all refugees instead of just the minority who hide in the jungle.
External relations officer Yante Ismail said although she could not comment specifically on Lee's proposal, any move to allow refugees to earn an income would benefit the country.
"It is pragmatic to allow the group of people to remain in the country and provide help because they cannot possibly return home. While they are in the country, let them do something to help the country.
"Refugees are highly resourceful and they don't want to accept charity or welfare. It's a solution that is both practical and humane," she said.
Yante noted that such a move would reflect well on Malaysia, which has had a long tradition of hosting refugees since 1975.
"Therefore, a solution like this does not go against what Malaysia stands for," she said, adding that there were 42,800 refugees registered with the UNHCR as of September 2008, of which 37,800 were from Myanmar.
She however said that Malaysia was neither a signatory to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees nor its 1967 Protocol."It has no legislative or administrative provisions in place to deal with the situation of asylum-seekers or refugees in the country," Yante said.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
140 rats killed at popular market
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/11/18/central/2570743&sec=central
By YIP YOKE TENG
GUESS how many rats died of poison baits placed at the Section 17/21 wet market by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) last month? 140.
And this 30-year-old open air market is regarded by many to have the most fresh seafood in the city.
Following reports of the alarming filthiness at the market in StarMetro during its Hygiene Campaign on Oct 20, Nov 10 and Nov 17, the traders are finally setting out to make the market cleaner.
Eyesore: Lee (right) lashing out at the culprits, believed to be
hawkers and restaurant operators, who have contributed to creating
this disgusting heap of garbage near the Section 17/21 wet market.
It is hoped that the rodent colony will soon be wiped out at the popular market.
The traders teamed up with 10 MBPJ workers in a gotong-royong on Monday to clean up the puddle-ridden streets and dug perishables out of the dirt-caked drains. The council provided two water tankers.
The stall operators had unanimously agreed to each fork out RM30 a month to hire an additional worker to clean the market every day, from 6am to 2pm. Now, there is only one worker doing the job on a part-time basis. Each trader pays between RM12 and RM15 for the service.
They will also form a committee to monitor the market’s cleanliness.
Working together: Traders of the Section 17/21 wet market cleaning the area.
“We have had regular cleaning-up sessions like this every month since about two years ago, but the problem still exists,” vegetable seller Low Guai Hwa said. Low blamed the unhealthy situation on a few selfish and inconsiderate traders who simply discard refuse into the drains.
Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee said the MBPJ would first resurface the roads riddled with potholes, while its engineering department would conduct a feasibility study into building a concrete floor.
“If it is suitable and not too expensive, the council will go ahead with the plan,” he said.
Meanwhile, a developer had expressed interest in building an indoor market in the neighbourhood. Lee said the proposal was being discussed and assessed.
He said the council would re-install a CCTV in the market to prevent traders and consumers from littering.
By YIP YOKE TENG
GUESS how many rats died of poison baits placed at the Section 17/21 wet market by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) last month? 140.
And this 30-year-old open air market is regarded by many to have the most fresh seafood in the city.
Following reports of the alarming filthiness at the market in StarMetro during its Hygiene Campaign on Oct 20, Nov 10 and Nov 17, the traders are finally setting out to make the market cleaner.
Eyesore: Lee (right) lashing out at the culprits, believed to be
hawkers and restaurant operators, who have contributed to creating
this disgusting heap of garbage near the Section 17/21 wet market.
It is hoped that the rodent colony will soon be wiped out at the popular market.
The traders teamed up with 10 MBPJ workers in a gotong-royong on Monday to clean up the puddle-ridden streets and dug perishables out of the dirt-caked drains. The council provided two water tankers.
The stall operators had unanimously agreed to each fork out RM30 a month to hire an additional worker to clean the market every day, from 6am to 2pm. Now, there is only one worker doing the job on a part-time basis. Each trader pays between RM12 and RM15 for the service.
They will also form a committee to monitor the market’s cleanliness.
Working together: Traders of the Section 17/21 wet market cleaning the area.
“We have had regular cleaning-up sessions like this every month since about two years ago, but the problem still exists,” vegetable seller Low Guai Hwa said. Low blamed the unhealthy situation on a few selfish and inconsiderate traders who simply discard refuse into the drains.
Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee said the MBPJ would first resurface the roads riddled with potholes, while its engineering department would conduct a feasibility study into building a concrete floor.
“If it is suitable and not too expensive, the council will go ahead with the plan,” he said.
Meanwhile, a developer had expressed interest in building an indoor market in the neighbourhood. Lee said the proposal was being discussed and assessed.
He said the council would re-install a CCTV in the market to prevent traders and consumers from littering.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Lee: Landfills fully used
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/11/11/central/2493404&sec=central
By JADE CHAN
IT IS important to address the problem of waste management in Petaling Jaya as all landfills are already fully used, according to Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee.
“We have only two options. One is to take the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) campaign seriously. If we do not, we only have the other alternative, which is incineration (to burn our waste),” he said at a press conference to announce the PJ Recycling Expo 2008 and the Environment Education Carnival.
“We must educate the citizens of PJ that 3R is our last recourse. If we do not seriously recycle and reduce waste that is going to the landfills, we will have to burn them.
“Incineration is not the best method, but when we have no choice, we will have to do that and then we have the problems of pollution and so on.
“This is the message I want to relay to the people of PJ. Otherwise we cannot blame the local authority for resorting to incineration in the future,” said Lee.
Housing and Local Government Ministry National Solid Waste Management Department assistant director Dr Tan Beng Hoe their target was to achieve zero waste by the year 2020.
“Act 672, which is the Solid Waste Management and Environment Cleanliness 2007 Act, has already been gazetted and will be enforced from Jan 1 onwards.” Dr Tan said the Act was related to solid waste and public cleanliness, but declined to reveal further details.
The PJ Recycling Expo 2008 will be held today and tomorrow from 9am-5pm at the lobby area of Jaya 33 in Jalan Semangat, while the Environment Education Carnival will be held on Thursday from 8am-4pm at the MBPJ’s Banquet Hall.
The events are organised by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) through the Environment Working Committee, Local Agenda 21 (LA21) PJ, in conjunction with National Recycling Day.
Selangor Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment Committee chairman Elizabeth Wong is scheduled to launch the expo that is aimed at increasing public awareness on environmental conservation, especially on the 3R programme and LA21, and providing a platform for 3R players to interact and display their achievements.
The expo’s programme includes an exhibition on recyclable materials and environmental conservation, demonstrations on how to make handicraft and garbage enzymes, performances by students using recyclable materials, environment-friendly audition competition, recycling activities and lucky draws.
Dell will be on hand to collect used computers and related equipment like printers and mouse, while the Taman Mayang Jaya Residents Association will set up a booth to sell second-hand books and collect recyclable materials.
MBPJ Town Planning Department assistant director and LA21 officer Lee Lih Shyan said the expo would also involve the Danida Solid Waste Management Component, which would educate the public on household waste composting.
The carnival, which is open to primary and secondary schools in PJ, is aimed at educating children and teenagers about environmental conservation through fun methods.
For more information, contact Lee at 03-7956 3544 ext 351/ 370/ 374 or lee@mbpj.gov.my, or Mahzura at 03-7956 2939 or mahzura@mbpj.gov.my.
By JADE CHAN
IT IS important to address the problem of waste management in Petaling Jaya as all landfills are already fully used, according to Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee.
“We have only two options. One is to take the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) campaign seriously. If we do not, we only have the other alternative, which is incineration (to burn our waste),” he said at a press conference to announce the PJ Recycling Expo 2008 and the Environment Education Carnival.
“We must educate the citizens of PJ that 3R is our last recourse. If we do not seriously recycle and reduce waste that is going to the landfills, we will have to burn them.
“Incineration is not the best method, but when we have no choice, we will have to do that and then we have the problems of pollution and so on.
“This is the message I want to relay to the people of PJ. Otherwise we cannot blame the local authority for resorting to incineration in the future,” said Lee.
Housing and Local Government Ministry National Solid Waste Management Department assistant director Dr Tan Beng Hoe their target was to achieve zero waste by the year 2020.
“Act 672, which is the Solid Waste Management and Environment Cleanliness 2007 Act, has already been gazetted and will be enforced from Jan 1 onwards.” Dr Tan said the Act was related to solid waste and public cleanliness, but declined to reveal further details.
The PJ Recycling Expo 2008 will be held today and tomorrow from 9am-5pm at the lobby area of Jaya 33 in Jalan Semangat, while the Environment Education Carnival will be held on Thursday from 8am-4pm at the MBPJ’s Banquet Hall.
The events are organised by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) through the Environment Working Committee, Local Agenda 21 (LA21) PJ, in conjunction with National Recycling Day.
Selangor Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment Committee chairman Elizabeth Wong is scheduled to launch the expo that is aimed at increasing public awareness on environmental conservation, especially on the 3R programme and LA21, and providing a platform for 3R players to interact and display their achievements.
The expo’s programme includes an exhibition on recyclable materials and environmental conservation, demonstrations on how to make handicraft and garbage enzymes, performances by students using recyclable materials, environment-friendly audition competition, recycling activities and lucky draws.
Dell will be on hand to collect used computers and related equipment like printers and mouse, while the Taman Mayang Jaya Residents Association will set up a booth to sell second-hand books and collect recyclable materials.
MBPJ Town Planning Department assistant director and LA21 officer Lee Lih Shyan said the expo would also involve the Danida Solid Waste Management Component, which would educate the public on household waste composting.
The carnival, which is open to primary and secondary schools in PJ, is aimed at educating children and teenagers about environmental conservation through fun methods.
For more information, contact Lee at 03-7956 3544 ext 351/ 370/ 374 or lee@mbpj.gov.my, or Mahzura at 03-7956 2939 or mahzura@mbpj.gov.my.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Managing change responsibly
http://www.thenutgraph.com/managing-change-responsibly
By KW Mak
THE media can sometimes be full of public sentiment calling for change. But few people appreciate the amount of work that needs to be done to effect that change.
I believe in doing things by the book to ensure that reforms are not arbitrary, and whatever action taken is fair to all. To do so requires not only meetings with all stakeholders but also consultation with legal experts. This can be a lengthy process.
Very often however, the public tends to view such an approach as being too slow, and if not thrashed out in the media, lacking in transparency.
Not so simple
theSun editor R Nadeswaran quoted one of my previous articles on transparency and good corporate governance to lament about the seeming lack of transparency and action against an illegal funeral parlour along Jalan Gasing in Petaling Jaya.
Nadeswaran argues his case and then accuses the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) of not being willing to "throw the law books" at the people behind the parlour. However, closer scrutiny would show that the issue is not as simple as the facts that were presented. Indeed, the law books would have been thrown back at MBPJ if the council had acted solely on the facts presented by Nadeswaran.
I am not at liberty to divulge the information related to the case because there are some sensitivities involved, but MBPJ will ensure that the funeral parlour ceases its services by the end of December 2008, and that it moves to a more suitable location.
The Sivan Temple atop Bukit Gasing is another sensitive matter, with the large illegal structure situated on unstable ground and looming over a condominium below it.
The danger of the unsteady slope was confirmed in an independent survey by Kumpulan Ikram Sdn Bhd, which also made recommendations for rectification works. A stop-work order from MBPJ was issued in 2007. That order was ignored and sadly, because of political influence then, the council did not enforce the stop-work order.
When councillors A Thiruvenggadam and Derek Fernandez highlighted the danger again recently and arranged for MBPJ to issue a second stop-work order, MBPJ was attacked. The temple authorities accused MBPJ of being non-consultative.
Despite these assertions, MBPJ has all the paperwork to prove otherwise. The local council will also be working closely with the Selangor government to ensure that the temple does not collapse and jeopardise the lives of temple devotees and condominium residents living below.
In both the cases of the funeral parlour and the temple, Bukit Gasing state assemblyperson Edward Lee, from the DAP, took the initiative to meet with the committees of both religious organisations. With MBPJ officers in tow, Lee did the necessary fact-finding to understand the complexities of the cases instead of playing them out in public through the media.
Some quarters have accused Lee as being too lenient, but the local council needs to be absolutely sure that when it acts in the public's interest, all legal issues are taken into account. Thanks to the groundwork that was done, MBPJ can now take the necessary legal action against the committees of these organisations.
...
New to the job
Allowing sensitive issues to be played out in the media before a government body does the necessary homework can lead to unfavourable consequences.
Even I have made mistakes during my first four months as a councillor. In my quest to implement changes that I thought were necessary, I have instead placed MBPJ in a lawsuit, due to a legal technicality that was not observed. The mistake will end up costing taxpayers several thousand ringgit in legal fees, which I regret. As much as I would like to see change, I have learnt that I must be responsible for my actions.
Let's face the fact that many Pakatan Rakyat elected representatives are new to the job. They, too, need to learn how government works.
It is learnt that effort is under way to equip the elected representatives with legal and administrative knowledge of how government works. This would enable them to better address the issues faced by their constituents.
This would be infinitely better than watching politicians from both sides take pot shots at one another for their respective mistakes.
A lot of work is obviously needed for a local government system that needs fixing. That requires learning on all levels. Unfortunately that learning may take time before meaningful changes happen.
KW Mak is a DAP member and party-appointed MBPJ councillor. He apologises to his girlfriend, family and cats for not spending more time with them, and appreciates their support and understanding.
By KW Mak
THE media can sometimes be full of public sentiment calling for change. But few people appreciate the amount of work that needs to be done to effect that change.
I believe in doing things by the book to ensure that reforms are not arbitrary, and whatever action taken is fair to all. To do so requires not only meetings with all stakeholders but also consultation with legal experts. This can be a lengthy process.
Very often however, the public tends to view such an approach as being too slow, and if not thrashed out in the media, lacking in transparency.
Not so simple
theSun editor R Nadeswaran quoted one of my previous articles on transparency and good corporate governance to lament about the seeming lack of transparency and action against an illegal funeral parlour along Jalan Gasing in Petaling Jaya.
Nadeswaran argues his case and then accuses the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) of not being willing to "throw the law books" at the people behind the parlour. However, closer scrutiny would show that the issue is not as simple as the facts that were presented. Indeed, the law books would have been thrown back at MBPJ if the council had acted solely on the facts presented by Nadeswaran.
I am not at liberty to divulge the information related to the case because there are some sensitivities involved, but MBPJ will ensure that the funeral parlour ceases its services by the end of December 2008, and that it moves to a more suitable location.
The Sivan Temple atop Bukit Gasing is another sensitive matter, with the large illegal structure situated on unstable ground and looming over a condominium below it.
The danger of the unsteady slope was confirmed in an independent survey by Kumpulan Ikram Sdn Bhd, which also made recommendations for rectification works. A stop-work order from MBPJ was issued in 2007. That order was ignored and sadly, because of political influence then, the council did not enforce the stop-work order.
When councillors A Thiruvenggadam and Derek Fernandez highlighted the danger again recently and arranged for MBPJ to issue a second stop-work order, MBPJ was attacked. The temple authorities accused MBPJ of being non-consultative.
Despite these assertions, MBPJ has all the paperwork to prove otherwise. The local council will also be working closely with the Selangor government to ensure that the temple does not collapse and jeopardise the lives of temple devotees and condominium residents living below.
In both the cases of the funeral parlour and the temple, Bukit Gasing state assemblyperson Edward Lee, from the DAP, took the initiative to meet with the committees of both religious organisations. With MBPJ officers in tow, Lee did the necessary fact-finding to understand the complexities of the cases instead of playing them out in public through the media.
Some quarters have accused Lee as being too lenient, but the local council needs to be absolutely sure that when it acts in the public's interest, all legal issues are taken into account. Thanks to the groundwork that was done, MBPJ can now take the necessary legal action against the committees of these organisations.
...
New to the job
Allowing sensitive issues to be played out in the media before a government body does the necessary homework can lead to unfavourable consequences.
Even I have made mistakes during my first four months as a councillor. In my quest to implement changes that I thought were necessary, I have instead placed MBPJ in a lawsuit, due to a legal technicality that was not observed. The mistake will end up costing taxpayers several thousand ringgit in legal fees, which I regret. As much as I would like to see change, I have learnt that I must be responsible for my actions.
Let's face the fact that many Pakatan Rakyat elected representatives are new to the job. They, too, need to learn how government works.
It is learnt that effort is under way to equip the elected representatives with legal and administrative knowledge of how government works. This would enable them to better address the issues faced by their constituents.
This would be infinitely better than watching politicians from both sides take pot shots at one another for their respective mistakes.
A lot of work is obviously needed for a local government system that needs fixing. That requires learning on all levels. Unfortunately that learning may take time before meaningful changes happen.
KW Mak is a DAP member and party-appointed MBPJ councillor. He apologises to his girlfriend, family and cats for not spending more time with them, and appreciates their support and understanding.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Section 17 Water Woes
By Joey
Following several complaints by sec 17 residents over frequent water cuts, YB Edward Lee and YB Hee Loy Sian, PJS Member of Parliament, organised a second meeting between SYABAS and PUSPEL officers and community leaders from the Rukun Tetangga and Residents Associations on 17 Oct 2008. The meeting was held at the Bukit Gasing Service Centre.
According to SYABAS, the frequent water cuts are due to the bursting of old asbestos-cement water pipes, especially in older sections under PJ Selatan. For example, some homes may experience low water pressure due to old internal piping, which could be clogged by rust and scales. When residents complain of low pressure, SYABAS would attempt to remedy the situation by increasing water pressure. This fluctuation in pressure, in turn, could lead to certain external pipes bursting or breaking.
As this is a long-standing issue with no overnight solution, SYABAS is in the midst of implementing a few temporary measures. These include the installation of valve pipes to isolate damaged sections. With these valves, in the event of a burst pipe, only the segment affected needs to be turned off, instead of the whole area.
There is also the ongoing "Program Penggantian Paip-Paip Perhubungan" (replacement of communication pipes programme), with 700 pipes replaced to date. In sec 17, 7.1 km of main pipes are in need of replacement at a cost of RM30-35 million. This budget is awaiting approval from the SYABAS HQ and state. YB Lee and YB Hee will be following up with SYABAS and the state government to expedite the process.
Residents can also play their part by replacing their old internal piping to help regulate water pressure.
Do call Syabas' customer service at 1800-88-5252 should you require immediate assistance.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Going after bad eggs in PJ market
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/Streets/Monday/Stories/2362265/Article/
By Naveen Mathew Menon
Elizabeth Wong, Mohd Nadzri Osman (second right), Chan Chee Kong (left)
and enforcement personnel checking the prices of chicken at Petaling Jaya Old Town market.
PETALING JAYA: Some greedy traders who raised prices during the festive season have been made to pay.
They were caught when Elizabeth Wong, the state assemblyman for Bukit Lanjan and officers from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs conducted a surprise check at at Petaling Jaya Old Town market.Among those caught was a trader who was slapped with a RM100 fine for overpricing eggs. She was selling Grade B eggs at 0.34 sen each when they were price-controlled at 0.31 sen each.
Another trader who was selling only "santan" and not coconut, was asked to also sell scraped coconut as it was a price-controlled item.
Traders who did not display their prices prominently were given stern warnings by the enforcement officers.They were told to display the prices of controlled goods clearly on red and pink boards. The red board is a sign telling consumers that the prices were of controlled goods.
The traders were also advised by the officers to display a bigger board with the prices of all the controlled goods. The board is available from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs department."
Customers who have been fleeced or unhappy with the prices displayed can report to a toll-free hotline at 1800-886-800 or SMS to 32255."
Wong said she is satisfied with most of the traders as they were selling goods at appropriate prices.
Mohd Nadzri Osman, director of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, who accompanied Wong during the inspection, said the checks on traders, which started on Sept 24, would continue till Oct 8. He said a similar enforcement exercise will be held between Oct 20 and Nov 3 in view of the Deepavali celebrations.
Also joining Wong for the surprise check on the PJ Old Town market were Edward Lee Poh Lin, the state assemblyman for Bukit Gasing and Chan Chee Kong, the councillor for Petaling Jaya. Wong said the PJ market would be upgraded in stages, starting with the fish and meat sections, to improve its hygiene. She added that the stalls would be enlarged and new tiles laid.
By Naveen Mathew Menon
Elizabeth Wong, Mohd Nadzri Osman (second right), Chan Chee Kong (left)
and enforcement personnel checking the prices of chicken at Petaling Jaya Old Town market.
PETALING JAYA: Some greedy traders who raised prices during the festive season have been made to pay.
They were caught when Elizabeth Wong, the state assemblyman for Bukit Lanjan and officers from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs conducted a surprise check at at Petaling Jaya Old Town market.Among those caught was a trader who was slapped with a RM100 fine for overpricing eggs. She was selling Grade B eggs at 0.34 sen each when they were price-controlled at 0.31 sen each.
Another trader who was selling only "santan" and not coconut, was asked to also sell scraped coconut as it was a price-controlled item.
Traders who did not display their prices prominently were given stern warnings by the enforcement officers.They were told to display the prices of controlled goods clearly on red and pink boards. The red board is a sign telling consumers that the prices were of controlled goods.
The traders were also advised by the officers to display a bigger board with the prices of all the controlled goods. The board is available from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs department."
Customers who have been fleeced or unhappy with the prices displayed can report to a toll-free hotline at 1800-886-800 or SMS to 32255."
Wong said she is satisfied with most of the traders as they were selling goods at appropriate prices.
Mohd Nadzri Osman, director of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, who accompanied Wong during the inspection, said the checks on traders, which started on Sept 24, would continue till Oct 8. He said a similar enforcement exercise will be held between Oct 20 and Nov 3 in view of the Deepavali celebrations.
Also joining Wong for the surprise check on the PJ Old Town market were Edward Lee Poh Lin, the state assemblyman for Bukit Gasing and Chan Chee Kong, the councillor for Petaling Jaya. Wong said the PJ market would be upgraded in stages, starting with the fish and meat sections, to improve its hygiene. She added that the stalls would be enlarged and new tiles laid.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Councillor proposes quick response team
By Oh Ing Yeen at the MBPJ full board meeting
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/9/27/central/2131183&sec=central
A CITY councillor has proposed the setting up of a quick response team to handle minor grouses in the city.
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/9/27/central/2131183&sec=central
A CITY councillor has proposed the setting up of a quick response team to handle minor grouses in the city.
According to Michael Soon, nearly 80% of the calls the councillors received are small complaints regarding potholes, public toilets, drains and the trimming of trees.
“Councillors should not be the first contact when it comes to such minor issues,” he said.
Soon said this during the September full board meeting of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).
“Thus, we should form a quick response team consisting of plumbers and electricians to resolve such matters,” Soon said.
Roslan: ‘The committee will study and scrutinise some procedures and regulations’
“We need to upgrade the computer system and handle walk-ins, telephone calls and e-mails efficiently,” he said.
Soon also said that contracts under RM20,000 should not be sub-contracted.
“The one at the end of the line will only be left with bones. If the job is badly done, it will reflect badly on the MBPJ, too. All contractors who often do so should be blacklisted,” he said.
Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman, meanwhile, announced at the meeting that a circular will be issued to warn contractors against harassing the local councillors when lobbying for contracts.
Several city councillors had complained that they have received numerous calls from certain contractors lobbying for jobs.
Roslan also announced that an audit and administration committee has been set up to improve the MBPJ services.
“The committee will study and scrutinise some procedures and regulations. All department heads are required to cooperate in this effort for a smooth process and to widen the administrative scope,” he said.
Roslan said councillors should organise dialogue sessions with residents in their respective zones to discuss issues in the area to obtain feedback for the preparation of the 2009 budget.
“With the participation of all stake holders in the MBPJ, Iam confident that the proposed budget will be more effective and relevant ,” he said.
Roslan told the councillors to organise their respective residents committees in their zone to get to know the residents’ problems faster.
“The residents committees will also create interaction between councillors and their respective communities as well as advocate transparency under our governance,” he said.
“I hope this will be carried out soon. All councillors are required to submit reports on this matter to be studied by the state local government committee,” Roslan said.
PJ Selatan MP Hee Loy Sian, who was present as an observer, raised an issue which raised some eyebrows. He claimed that some residents had complained about prostitution in some hotel spas in the city.
Meanwhile, the mayor announced that the MBPJ will hold a Hari Raya open house on Oct 10 from 3pm to 6pm at the PJ stadium. He extended an invitation to the public.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Assessment cut for highrise units next year
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/17/central/2035620&sec=central
By TAN KARR WEI
CONDOMINIUMS and highrise unit owners in Petaling Jaya will see a reduction in assessment rates next year.
Mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman announced that in the draft Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) 2009 budget, assessment rates for flats, apartments and condominiums would be reduced from 8% to 6% (except those in Sri Damansara, Mayang Mas and Megah Mas, which remains at 5%).
Rates for service apartments would be reduced from 8.8% to 6.6%.
By TAN KARR WEI
CONDOMINIUMS and highrise unit owners in Petaling Jaya will see a reduction in assessment rates next year.
Mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman announced that in the draft Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) 2009 budget, assessment rates for flats, apartments and condominiums would be reduced from 8% to 6% (except those in Sri Damansara, Mayang Mas and Megah Mas, which remains at 5%).
Rates for service apartments would be reduced from 8.8% to 6.6%.
Absorbed: Representatives from residents associations and
Rukun Tetangga at the MBPJ 2009 Budget briefing.
Assessment rates for low-cost flats will remain at 5% while assessment for other properties will not be increased.
About 60 representatives from residents associations (RA) and Rukun Tetangga (RT) attended a briefing on the 2009 budget at the MBPJ headquarters in Jalan Yong Shook Lin.
The income deficit would be offset by an estimated RM6.48mil from rental of billboard sites.
A representative from Section 8 RT said there should be funds allocated for activities carried out by RTs and RAs.
Taman Mayang RT chairman Chan Chow Wang said the RM5mil increase to RM52mil in allocation for Alam Flora services was not justified.
“The service provided is not satisfactory. I raised the issue five years ago about the garbage trucks. When the trash is compacted, dirty water leaks from the trucks and dirty our roads,” said Chan.
The RM52mil makes up more than 20% of MBPJ’s total expenditure.
Petaling Jaya Selangor Residents Association (APAC) chairman Liew Wei Beng was upset that the various representatives could not obtain a copy of the draft budget before they attended the meeting.
“We need time to go through the draft to analyse it instead of rushing through it during the briefing,” said Liew.
He also said the numbers for the 2008 budget was an estimation and the actual amount spent up so far was not given and so it was difficult to compare the numbers with the 2009 budget.
“How would we know if there’s a surplus or deficit in the 2008 budget?” asked Liew.
One of the objectives of the budget was to make PJ a knowledge city and RM3.495mil has been allocated for items like Internet connection, computer equipment rental, handheld equipment rental and computer maintenance.
However, one RA representative commented that since the handheld equipment were for enforcement officers and the computers for councillors, it did not contribute to that objective.
Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee said the presentation of the budget could be improved.
“The council’s accounts for the previous years should also be given so that we will know if the budget provided for those years were sufficient and the budget for 2009 should reflect that,” said Lee, who was formerly the pro tem chairman of the All Petaling Jaya Pro-Action Committee, as APAC was then known.
He also noted that the budget did not address another pressing problem in the city — flooding.
“Flooding is a big problem in PJ and nothing much has been done to alleviate it. It is disheartening to know that there is a decrease in funds for drainage system and drain maintenance,” said Lee.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Councillors on track
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/9/13/central/1957037&sec=central
By JADE CHAN
“The SS1 and SS3 residents, who comprise those in the middle to upper-income groups, want to know the status of their complaints. I usually keep them updated via e-mails.”
Tiew lists her priorities as educating the people to know that a councillor is not their only mean of seeking solution to their problems and streamlining the process at the MBPJ so that complainants can monitor the status of the complaint from the officer in charge, and fighting for good governance and zero corruption.
Tiew is forming a committee comprising local representatives from residents associations and NGOs who would be more familiar in handling the residents’ problems and needs.
“I plan to have a monthly healthcare programme for residents, because there are many senior citizens in my zone,” she said.
“I will also work closely with Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San and PJ Utara MP Tony Pua to ensure that there is no duplicity or redundancy in our work,” Tiew said.
Dr Melasutra Md Dali, 44, lecturer
“The main issues are on safety, housing, youth and health,” Melasutra said of her zone that comprises residents from the low- to middle-income group.
Melasutra has formed a focus group comprising representatives from various groups in PJ Selatan to get in-depth information about their complaints, dissatisfactions and expectations.
“Because their voices weren’t heard as much before, I’m now working on systematically listing their issues. A lot has to be done, and can be done if channelled to the right department and people,” she said.
“The main issue in PJS 1 would be transit homes, while the problem in PJS 2 concerns the lack of open space and recreational facilities for children and youths,” Melasutra said.
“I hope to improve the residents’ living conditions and make their environment more livable. The place is so congested and there isn’t enough infrastructure and recreational outlets for the youngsters to put their energies into.”
Melasutra feels that a councillor should be committed to contributing to the council and city while having a good system to back up their work to ensure an efficient and transparent output.
Richard Yeoh, 55, civil society representative
“There are a number of major unresolved issues and we’re working to find solutions for these.”
Yeoh feels that PJ residents are generally quite understanding, although it could be a grace period for the councillors to get a grip of their duties and responsibilities.
Yeoh’s priority is to look into the PJ public transport system. “The MBPJ has received proposals to develop or redevelop existing properties belonging to the local council or state land, but it’s difficult to approve new development projects if the traffic and public transportation issues aren’t resolved,” he said.
“Although it is a federal government issue, the state and local government could look into a basic transport system for the people like a mini-bus or shuttle system,” Yeoh said.
“I want to push this matter to set a model for the country as it is key before any new developments are approved.”
Among the qualities he thinks a councillor should have are a desire to serve the community, a passion to improve the council’s services, interest in interacting with people and being resourceful when solving problems.
A. Thiruvenggadam, 48, insurance agency manager
Thiruvenggadam is one of the first MBPJ councillors to have a fully functional service centre, and has been busy attending to flood and abandoned house problems in Section 8, where he also resides.
“I’m proposing that the MBPJ push the federal government to set up a general hospital for the people in PJ and platforms under the MBPJ for poor people to start simple businesses and programmes to eradicate poverty,” Thiruvenggadam said.
“Meanwhile, I managed to get the MBPJ clinic in Section 8, which was previously meant for MBPJ employees only to also cater to the poor in PJ.”
Thiruvenggadam feels that PJ residents are generally cooperative and educated, but there is a delay in getting things done at the MBPJ due to a lack of integration among its departments.
“My priorities right now would be to attend to the major problems in my zone like drainage, playground, traffic and security by December,” he said.
“After that, I want to concentrate on the social development in my zone and make it a more conducive place to live in by increasing community facilities and having racial integration programmes.”
Thiruvenggadam believes that the MBPJ should evolve such that its mechanisms can handle complaints on its own and have a more multi-racial workforce.
He said a councillor needed to manage his time well and should have adequate knowledge about the country’s legal, political and socio-economic culture and other areas of plural co-existence of the people.
By JADE CHAN
Their most demanding task is dealing with day-to-day problems.
THE last few months have been hectic and even harrowing for the new councillors appointed to the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).
They have been busy familiarising themselves with the local council set-up and operation, learning about its departments, the rules, regulations, procedures, attending committee meetings and getting to know the people in their assigned zones.
While some initially thought that their basic role was policy-making, they now realise that dealing with the day-to-day problems faced by the people is the most demanding aspect of their role as councillors.
They have to deal with almost non-stop complaints from the residents in their zones — from petty matters such as uncollected rubbish to more serious matters like floods.
And they have to explore and find ways to resolve these problems, seeking out the departments and relevant officials to get the problems dealt with.
Although all 24 councillors have been assigned zones to oversee, not all of them have their service centres set up yet.
According to MBPJ public relations officer Zainun Zakaria, the council’s engineering department is in the final stage of getting the service centres ready for operation.
“The locations of all 24 service centres have been identified and will hopefully be ready by the end of this month,” Zainun said.
StarMetro interviewed four of the councillors to find out what they have been doing since their appointments.
Tiew Way Keng, 27, lawyer
Zone: SS1, 3 and 9A
Contact: 016-338 1563 / aduantwk@gmail.com
Service centre: Dewan Seri Setia, Jalan SS9A/1 
Talk to me: Tiew standing outside Dewan Seri Setia where her service centre will be located.
Tiew said she had discovered that she had to use different approaches when dealing with residents in her zones.
“The SS9A new village residents prefer meeting me personally and expect me to turn up at their meetings or attend to their complaints,” she said.
“The SS1 and SS3 residents, who comprise those in the middle to upper-income groups, want to know the status of their complaints. I usually keep them updated via e-mails.”
In the process, Tiew has learnt that she needs to be approachable, patient and able to communicate well. “I need to be careful whenever I speak in Chinese. Certain words or phrases can be misinterpreted by the residents and make them upset,” she said.
Tiew lists her priorities as educating the people to know that a councillor is not their only mean of seeking solution to their problems and streamlining the process at the MBPJ so that complainants can monitor the status of the complaint from the officer in charge, and fighting for good governance and zero corruption.
Tiew is forming a committee comprising local representatives from residents associations and NGOs who would be more familiar in handling the residents’ problems and needs.
“I plan to have a monthly healthcare programme for residents, because there are many senior citizens in my zone,” she said.
“I will also work closely with Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San and PJ Utara MP Tony Pua to ensure that there is no duplicity or redundancy in our work,” Tiew said.
Dr Melasutra Md Dali, 44, lecturer
Zone: PJS 1 and 2
Contact: 03-7967 5698 / sutramela@yahoo.com
Service centre: Most likely at Pasar Taman Datuk Harun, PJS 2
Urban planner: Melasutra’s field of specialisation is in land use and recreational and social planning, and urban management.
Melasutra believes in empowering society and wants to educate and encourage the people in her zone to make them work with the MBPJ.
“I hope to create programmes that are continuous and beneficial to the community. I view my appointment as a positive opportunity and feel that my roles as a lecturer, councillor and NGO member (with Jamaah Islah Malaysia) are inter-related,” she said.
“The main issues are on safety, housing, youth and health,” Melasutra said of her zone that comprises residents from the low- to middle-income group.
Melasutra has formed a focus group comprising representatives from various groups in PJ Selatan to get in-depth information about their complaints, dissatisfactions and expectations.
“Because their voices weren’t heard as much before, I’m now working on systematically listing their issues. A lot has to be done, and can be done if channelled to the right department and people,” she said.
“The main issue in PJS 1 would be transit homes, while the problem in PJS 2 concerns the lack of open space and recreational facilities for children and youths,” Melasutra said.
“I hope to improve the residents’ living conditions and make their environment more livable. The place is so congested and there isn’t enough infrastructure and recreational outlets for the youngsters to put their energies into.”
Melasutra feels that a councillor should be committed to contributing to the council and city while having a good system to back up their work to ensure an efficient and transparent output.
Richard Yeoh, 55, civil society representative
Zone: Sections 11, 12 and 13
Contact: 012-216 0035/ 012-302 8801/ yeohrichard@gmail.com
Service centre: Yet to be confirmed
Bring it on: Yeoh wants to see better infrastructure for PJ residents.
According to Yeoh, the councillors have had their hands full in getting a hang of how the MBPJ functions and to clear the backlog of work during the five months when the councillors were not in place.
“The most common complaints I had to deal with pertain to traffic lights, inadequate streetlights and heavy traffic, especially when there’s an event going on,” he said.
“There are a number of major unresolved issues and we’re working to find solutions for these.”
Yeoh feels that PJ residents are generally quite understanding, although it could be a grace period for the councillors to get a grip of their duties and responsibilities.
Yeoh’s priority is to look into the PJ public transport system. “The MBPJ has received proposals to develop or redevelop existing properties belonging to the local council or state land, but it’s difficult to approve new development projects if the traffic and public transportation issues aren’t resolved,” he said.
“Although it is a federal government issue, the state and local government could look into a basic transport system for the people like a mini-bus or shuttle system,” Yeoh said.
“I want to push this matter to set a model for the country as it is key before any new developments are approved.”
Among the qualities he thinks a councillor should have are a desire to serve the community, a passion to improve the council’s services, interest in interacting with people and being resourceful when solving problems.
A. Thiruvenggadam, 48, insurance agency manager
Zone: Sections 8, 14 and 51A
Contact: 03-7960 0257/ 012-322 3851/ neelavino@yahoo.com
Service centre: Unit 16, Plaza Sunken, Menara MBPJ
Hard at work: Thiruvenggadam attending to some paperwork at his service centre.
Thiruvenggadam is one of the first MBPJ councillors to have a fully functional service centre, and has been busy attending to flood and abandoned house problems in Section 8, where he also resides.
“I’m trying to do whatever I can to help the urban poor in areas like Lembah Subang, Kota Damansara, PJS 1 and Desa Mentari,” he said.
“I’m proposing that the MBPJ push the federal government to set up a general hospital for the people in PJ and platforms under the MBPJ for poor people to start simple businesses and programmes to eradicate poverty,” Thiruvenggadam said.
“Meanwhile, I managed to get the MBPJ clinic in Section 8, which was previously meant for MBPJ employees only to also cater to the poor in PJ.”
Thiruvenggadam feels that PJ residents are generally cooperative and educated, but there is a delay in getting things done at the MBPJ due to a lack of integration among its departments.
“My priorities right now would be to attend to the major problems in my zone like drainage, playground, traffic and security by December,” he said.
“After that, I want to concentrate on the social development in my zone and make it a more conducive place to live in by increasing community facilities and having racial integration programmes.”
Thiruvenggadam believes that the MBPJ should evolve such that its mechanisms can handle complaints on its own and have a more multi-racial workforce.
He said a councillor needed to manage his time well and should have adequate knowledge about the country’s legal, political and socio-economic culture and other areas of plural co-existence of the people.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
MBPJ to promote free community bus service
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/9/12/central/2007637&sec=central
By TAN KARR WEI
THE Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will look into ways to increase ridership of its free community bus service.
The service was launched in August and has two buses that go around PJ Selatan and PJ Utara to service the elderly and the poor.
Each bus will ply their respective routes four times a day.
Poor response: Not many are making use of the free community
bus service provided by MBPJ.
Since it started, the response has been lukewarm, with only a handful of people making use of the service.
Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee took a ride on the bus to find out why.
“Many people are still not aware of the free bus service.
Inadequate info: There is a sign that says
"Free Service" in Bahasa Malaysia only on the bus.
“There is a sign on the bus stating it is a free service in Bahasa Malaysia and we will look into having this translated in Chinese and Tamil as well,” said Lee.
He said he also noticed that there were not enough stops along the routes.
Although the PJS bus goes through the district health centre in PJS 2C/5, Lee said the bus should stop at the Universiti Hospital as many people from the lower-income group seek treatment there.
An MBPJ officer said those who want to get on the bus could flag down the bus even if they were not at the designated bus stops. Most of the stops were near flats but do not have proper bus shelters.
Lee said it was more cost-efficient for the buses to go through routes with existing bus shelters so that MBPJ did not have to build new ones.
“We also need to discuss with the commercial bus operators to see if we can complement their routes,” said Lee.
By TAN KARR WEI
THE Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will look into ways to increase ridership of its free community bus service.
The service was launched in August and has two buses that go around PJ Selatan and PJ Utara to service the elderly and the poor.
Each bus will ply their respective routes four times a day.
Poor response: Not many are making use of the free community
bus service provided by MBPJ.
Since it started, the response has been lukewarm, with only a handful of people making use of the service.
Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee took a ride on the bus to find out why.
“Many people are still not aware of the free bus service.
Inadequate info: There is a sign that says
"Free Service" in Bahasa Malaysia only on the bus.
“There is a sign on the bus stating it is a free service in Bahasa Malaysia and we will look into having this translated in Chinese and Tamil as well,” said Lee.
He said he also noticed that there were not enough stops along the routes.
Although the PJS bus goes through the district health centre in PJS 2C/5, Lee said the bus should stop at the Universiti Hospital as many people from the lower-income group seek treatment there.
An MBPJ officer said those who want to get on the bus could flag down the bus even if they were not at the designated bus stops. Most of the stops were near flats but do not have proper bus shelters.
Lee said it was more cost-efficient for the buses to go through routes with existing bus shelters so that MBPJ did not have to build new ones.
“We also need to discuss with the commercial bus operators to see if we can complement their routes,” said Lee.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
It's his funeral parlour now
http://www.mmail.com.my/It%27s_his_funeral_parlour_now.aspx
By Dawn Lee
Bukit Gasing Assemblyman Edward Lee has found himself dealing with a problem that is not of his own making. He inherited the problem of an illegal funeral parlour along Jalan Gasing.
The temple had been conducting funeral rites for members and for others in Petaling Jaya. However, they will cease to be a funeral parlour unless the funeral parlour at Jalan 229 is unable to meet demands.
"I understand the noble desire of the temple to provide the service to families of the deceased. However, we have arranged with the Petaling Jaya Chinese Cemetery Association (PCCA) to accept deceased members of the temple," said Lee.
"There are only two non-Christian funeral parlours in PJ — at Jalan 229 and Jalan Gasing, which has since moved to Old Klang Road."
Unfortunately, said Lee, the funeral parlours in Old Klang Road, Nirvana and Nilai are more expensive.
Under the circumstances, he said he will leave it to the community to decide if they want to totally evict the illegal funeral parlour.
"Or the bereaved families can keep the bodies at the hospital mortuary until such time the crematoriums at St Francis Xavier church or PJCCA can accommodate them," added Lee.
There are already complaints about the crematorium at Jalan 229. Residents of the apartment blocks behind it have reported that emissions were posing a health hazard.
The PJCCA facility has equipment which ensures zero emission.
A spot in Kota Damansara has been identified for such a facility. However, the residents in the area will have to be consulted first.
Meantime, Lee asked Jalan Gasing residents to be patient until an amicable solution is worked out.
By Dawn Lee
Bukit Gasing Assemblyman Edward Lee has found himself dealing with a problem that is not of his own making. He inherited the problem of an illegal funeral parlour along Jalan Gasing.The temple had been conducting funeral rites for members and for others in Petaling Jaya. However, they will cease to be a funeral parlour unless the funeral parlour at Jalan 229 is unable to meet demands.
"I understand the noble desire of the temple to provide the service to families of the deceased. However, we have arranged with the Petaling Jaya Chinese Cemetery Association (PCCA) to accept deceased members of the temple," said Lee.
"There are only two non-Christian funeral parlours in PJ — at Jalan 229 and Jalan Gasing, which has since moved to Old Klang Road."
Unfortunately, said Lee, the funeral parlours in Old Klang Road, Nirvana and Nilai are more expensive.
Under the circumstances, he said he will leave it to the community to decide if they want to totally evict the illegal funeral parlour.
"Or the bereaved families can keep the bodies at the hospital mortuary until such time the crematoriums at St Francis Xavier church or PJCCA can accommodate them," added Lee.
There are already complaints about the crematorium at Jalan 229. Residents of the apartment blocks behind it have reported that emissions were posing a health hazard.
The PJCCA facility has equipment which ensures zero emission.
A spot in Kota Damansara has been identified for such a facility. However, the residents in the area will have to be consulted first.
Meantime, Lee asked Jalan Gasing residents to be patient until an amicable solution is worked out.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Community buses for PJ folks
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/8/18/central/1821510&sec=central
By JADE CHAN
LOW-INCOME wage earners and senior citizens living in Petaling Jaya can now opt to travel around the city using the PJ Community Bus.
“In view of the rising cost of fuel, the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is providing this bus service, which will operate around the PJ Selatan and PJ Utara areas, for free.
“This initiative is to help the urban poor and we’re the first local council in Selangor to provide such a service,” PJ mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman said when launching the two buses called Mesra Komuniti (Community Friendly) One and Two.
The bus service starts at 9am and ends at 5pm. Three trips are made daily from Mondays to Fridays to each area.
The PJ Selatan bus route covers destinations like the MBPJ Headquarters, the Jalan Sultan government offices, the PJ Police Headquarters, the PJ Community Library, the Jalan Othman Market, the Medan Maju Jaya Health Centre and the Taman Jaya LRT Station.
More information: Roslan (right) and Bukit Gasing assemblyman
Edward Lee (second from right) distributing leaflets to inform the
public about the new PJ Community Bus service.
The PJ Utara bus route will go to the MBPJ Headquarters, Jalan Sultan, Jaya 33, Tesco/Ikano, Dataran Sunway police station and the National Registration Department Kota Damansara branch office.
Each bus can accommodate 23 passengers and is equipped with air-conditioning and a television set.
“It cost us RM200,000 to buy one bus; the other was refurbished for RM50,000,” Roslan said.
“It will cost us RM120 to run and maintain one bus each day, which works out to about RM3,000 a month.
“We will place the bus stop signs either at existing bus stops or nearby buildings that are identified as bus stops.”
Roslan said the bus stops were identified during consultations with the community leaders in the targeted areas, who will spread the word about the service.
“We will distribute leaflets about the service to the target areas, and get their feedback.
“If there is a high demand, we will consider extending the bus service to weekends or increase the frequency.
“We also have a community van for the disabled that is available on an on-call basis.
“It can fit two disabled persons in wheelchairs at a time, who are lifted into the van via a hydraulic jack that cost RM10,000.”
Roslan had earlier launched the council’s 51st Merdeka Celebration programme, which features a month- long of activities organised by the various PJ Residents Assocations (RAs) and Rukun Tetangga (RT), in collaboration with the MBPJ.
He presented materials like Malaysian flags, banners and bunting to the RA and RT chairmen for them to display in their communities.
Roslan then flagged of a classic mini car convoy, which will have a 51 cars, travelling from PJ to Kuala Terengganu.
“The convoy will be presenting a gift on my behalf to the Kuala Terengganu City Council mayor as a sign of mutual understanding between the two local councils.”
He later presented prizes to the winners of the PJ Tourism Slogan and Photography Competition winners.
The 51st Merdeka Celebration programme is available on http://www.mbpj.gov.my/.
To request for the community van service, call 03-7956 3544 ext 374/ 351.
By JADE CHAN
LOW-INCOME wage earners and senior citizens living in Petaling Jaya can now opt to travel around the city using the PJ Community Bus.
“In view of the rising cost of fuel, the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is providing this bus service, which will operate around the PJ Selatan and PJ Utara areas, for free.
“This initiative is to help the urban poor and we’re the first local council in Selangor to provide such a service,” PJ mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman said when launching the two buses called Mesra Komuniti (Community Friendly) One and Two.
The bus service starts at 9am and ends at 5pm. Three trips are made daily from Mondays to Fridays to each area.
The PJ Selatan bus route covers destinations like the MBPJ Headquarters, the Jalan Sultan government offices, the PJ Police Headquarters, the PJ Community Library, the Jalan Othman Market, the Medan Maju Jaya Health Centre and the Taman Jaya LRT Station.
More information: Roslan (right) and Bukit Gasing assemblyman
Edward Lee (second from right) distributing leaflets to inform the
public about the new PJ Community Bus service.
The PJ Utara bus route will go to the MBPJ Headquarters, Jalan Sultan, Jaya 33, Tesco/Ikano, Dataran Sunway police station and the National Registration Department Kota Damansara branch office.
Each bus can accommodate 23 passengers and is equipped with air-conditioning and a television set.
“It cost us RM200,000 to buy one bus; the other was refurbished for RM50,000,” Roslan said.
“It will cost us RM120 to run and maintain one bus each day, which works out to about RM3,000 a month.
“We will place the bus stop signs either at existing bus stops or nearby buildings that are identified as bus stops.”
Roslan said the bus stops were identified during consultations with the community leaders in the targeted areas, who will spread the word about the service.
“We will distribute leaflets about the service to the target areas, and get their feedback.
“If there is a high demand, we will consider extending the bus service to weekends or increase the frequency.
“We also have a community van for the disabled that is available on an on-call basis.
“It can fit two disabled persons in wheelchairs at a time, who are lifted into the van via a hydraulic jack that cost RM10,000.”
Roslan had earlier launched the council’s 51st Merdeka Celebration programme, which features a month- long of activities organised by the various PJ Residents Assocations (RAs) and Rukun Tetangga (RT), in collaboration with the MBPJ.
He presented materials like Malaysian flags, banners and bunting to the RA and RT chairmen for them to display in their communities.
Roslan then flagged of a classic mini car convoy, which will have a 51 cars, travelling from PJ to Kuala Terengganu.
“The convoy will be presenting a gift on my behalf to the Kuala Terengganu City Council mayor as a sign of mutual understanding between the two local councils.”
He later presented prizes to the winners of the PJ Tourism Slogan and Photography Competition winners.
The 51st Merdeka Celebration programme is available on http://www.mbpj.gov.my/.
To request for the community van service, call 03-7956 3544 ext 374/ 351.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Funeral parlour to move soon
http://www.mmail.com.my/Funeral_parlour_to_move_soon.aspx
By Darshini Kandasamy
THE temple operator of an illegal funeral parlour at Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya, intends to use the premises for another purpose soon but declines to elaborate what it will be converted into.
This was disclosed by Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee, who told Malay Mail a solution to the problem of a funeral parlour operating in a residential area, was close at hand.
Lee, however, declined to say what the premises would be used for as he had yet to iron out the details with the operator.The only hint Malay Mail was able to solicit from the assemblyman was that the new function would be “good for the community.
Lee said he had been talking with parlour operators for the past two months.“The original funeral parlour operator, Eight Eleven Funeral (M) Sdn Bhd, has vacated the premises, leaving the operator of the temple. That is who I have been talking to.”
Last week, Malay Mail highlighted the issue of the funeral parlour operating illegally for more than 15 years. Its burning activities and defiance of rules had caused discomfort to residents and motorists.
Lee said the operator had limited services to five wakes per month and he had chosen not to interfere until a solution was reached and the funeral services relocated. He said he was talking with several funeral parlours to find one willing to help.
He added that discussions with the Petaling Jaya City Council and the Petaling Land Office were needed to ensure all parties involved agreed to a mutual solution, Lee called on residents to be patient. He said all parties were trying to settle the matter amicably before the end of the year. “We have to exercise great care when handling the matter of community needs.”
By Darshini Kandasamy
THE temple operator of an illegal funeral parlour at Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya, intends to use the premises for another purpose soon but declines to elaborate what it will be converted into.This was disclosed by Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee, who told Malay Mail a solution to the problem of a funeral parlour operating in a residential area, was close at hand.
Lee, however, declined to say what the premises would be used for as he had yet to iron out the details with the operator.The only hint Malay Mail was able to solicit from the assemblyman was that the new function would be “good for the community.
Lee said he had been talking with parlour operators for the past two months.“The original funeral parlour operator, Eight Eleven Funeral (M) Sdn Bhd, has vacated the premises, leaving the operator of the temple. That is who I have been talking to.”
Last week, Malay Mail highlighted the issue of the funeral parlour operating illegally for more than 15 years. Its burning activities and defiance of rules had caused discomfort to residents and motorists.
Lee said the operator had limited services to five wakes per month and he had chosen not to interfere until a solution was reached and the funeral services relocated. He said he was talking with several funeral parlours to find one willing to help.
He added that discussions with the Petaling Jaya City Council and the Petaling Land Office were needed to ensure all parties involved agreed to a mutual solution, Lee called on residents to be patient. He said all parties were trying to settle the matter amicably before the end of the year. “We have to exercise great care when handling the matter of community needs.”
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
State Legislative Assembly questions - third meeting (October), first term of the 12th State Legislative Assembly 2008
YAYASAN SELANGOR
Bertanya kepada Y.A.B. Tan Sri Dato' Abd Khalid Ibrahim: -
a) Yayasan Selangor telah ditubuhkan sebagai salah satu daripada program pembangunan belia Negeri Selangor. Sila beri maklum / nasihat, apa jenis syarikat / aktiviti atau kewarganegaraan yang akan diminta untuk menyumbang kepada Yayasan Selangor?
b) Apakah syarat-syarat yang akan dikenakan (sebagai contoh, usaha sama / 'joint venture', kenaikan premium tanah, perkongsian untung / 'profit sharing')?
c) Sila nyatakan jenis syarat-syarat yang berlainan, yang tidak disebutkan dalam soalan b), yang akan dikenakan.
PAPAN IKLAN
Bertanya kepada Y.B. Tuan Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew: -
a) Operator-operator papan iklan sedang bertanya, bila satu dasar untuk seluruh negeri yang adil akan dilaksanakan?
b) Bilakah dasar baru ini akan diberitahu kepada pemain industri dan dikenakan? Sila nyatakan tarikh yang tetap.
c) Apakah garis panduan / proses-proses terperinci, yang diamalkan oleh kerajaan Negeri Selangor untuk mengawal (regulate) industri papan iklan di Negeri Selangor terutamanya di bawah kawasan pentadbiran Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya?
INFRASTRUKTUR UNTUK MENURUNKAN KADAR JENAYAH
Bertanya kepada Y.B. Tuan Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew: -
a) Apakah langkah-langkah pencegahan dalam infrastruktur yang telah dirancang atau dilaksanakan untuk membanteras jenayah di dalam negeri?
b) Adakah negeri mempunyai program-program untuk menyediakan pekerjaan dalam jangka sederhana bagi menggalakkan lebih ramai orang untuk bekerja supaya dapat menyara diri sebagai alternatif daripada mengambil jalan keluar dengan melakukan kegiatan jenayah untuk mencari rezeki bagi keluarga mereka?
c) Berapakah mesyuarat-mesyuarat yang berlaku (dalam satu bulan) diantara kerajaan negeri termasuk pihak-pihak berkuasa tempatan dengan pihak polis untuk menilaikan keadaan jenayah di dalam negeri dan sila nyatakan beberapa langkah yang telah dilaksanakan sejak Mac 8, 2008 lalu?
BANJIR KILAT
Bertanya kepada Y.B. Tuan Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew: -
a) Sila nyatakan kawasan-kawasan di bawah daerah Petaling yang dikenalpasti sebagai kawasan banjir kilat.
b) Adakah peruntukan kewangan yang dibajetkan untuk tahun 2008/09 bagi skim-skim tebatan banjir dalam negeri untuk kawasan-kawasan ini dan berapa banyak?
c) Kawasan-kawasan yang manakah telah diperuntukan kewangan sebegini dan berapa banyak?
KEMUDAHAN TEMPAT LETAK KERETA
Bertanya kepada Y.B. Tuan Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew: -
a) Apakah langkah-langkah yang sedang diambil untuk memberi perhatian terhadap masalah tempat letak kereta di kawasan membeli-belah dan bangunan bertingkat seperti pangsapuri-pangsapuri serta kondominium-kondominium?
b) Hasil yang patut diperolehi oleh kerajaan tempatan terhilang dengan menswastakan konsesi tempat letak kereta di dalam negeri. Bilakah situasi ini akan dibalikkan supaya kerajaan mendapat balik hasil yang hilang?
c) Syarikat-syarikat manakah yang kini memegang hak untuk punggut bayaran letak kereta di dalam negeri? Sila senaraikan.
PESURUHJAYA BANGUNAN (COB)
Bertanya kepada Y.B. Tuan Iskandar Bin A. Samad: -
a) Kedudukan, fungsi dan proses membuat keputusan oleh Pesuruhjaya Bangunan (COB) telah mengapung diantara lembaga perumahan dan pihak berkuasa tempatan dengan arah yang tidak tertentu dan adalah tidak diketahui siapa yang akan kawal fungsi pesuruhjaya bangunan (COB) pada akhirnya. Apakah situasi terkini dan bagaimanakah perkara-perkara dasar yang berkenaan dengan pesuruhjaya bangunan (COB) akan diputuskan? Oleh lembaga perumahan atau pihak berkuasa tempatan?
b) Adakah kedudukan pesuruhjaya bangunan (COB) disetiap daerah diwartakan dan bila?
HAK MILIK TANAH
Bertanya kepada Y.A.B. Tan Sri Dato' Abd Khalid Bin Ibrahim: -
a) Bagaimanakah bahawa di dalam negeri Selangor, terdapat 14,442 hartanah yang telah diberikan taraf hak milik selamanya / tetap dimana pula adanya 14,167 hartanah yang di bawah taraf pajakan? Apakah kriteria dan syarat untuk kedua-dua jenis taraf pemilikan tanah sejak ia nampaknya tidak adil?
b) Jadi kalau terdapat 1487 tapak di Petaling Jaya yang mempunyai tempoh masa kurang daripada 10 tahun dalam pajakan mereka dan bahawa kawasan Bukit Gasing mempunyai kebanyakan daripada pemilikan tanah bawah kategori ini, apakah langkah-langkah yang telah diambil oleh kerajaan negeri untuk beri perhatian kepada isu ini dan jika kerajaan akan mengambil kira pertimbangan factor-faktor sejarah dan perlembagaan untuk membuat keputusan secara memihak taraf hak milik selamanya / tetap di Petaling Jaya?
c) Bilakah dasar yang kekal akan diwujudkan, yang akan menggabungkan pertimbangan aspek tanah dari segi sejarah dan perlembagaan untuk menentukan jenis hak milik tanah di Petaling Jaya?
PILIHANRAYA KERAJAAN TEMPATAN
Bertanya kepada Y.B. Tuan Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew: -
a) Adakah langkah-langkah yang diambil untuk membuat persiapan pada tahap masyarakat sivil untuk membentuk kerajaan tempatan secara memberangsangkan ahli-ahli dari pihak pertubuhan-pertubuhan bukan kerajaan untuk bersedia untuk mengandaikan jawatan-jawatan dalam kerajaan tempatan apabila pilihanraya kerajaan tempatan akan berlaku?
b) Bilakah anda menjangka pilihanraya kerajaan tempatan akan berlangsung pada akhir tempoh perkhidmatan jawatan ahli majlis dan kalau tidak, mengapa?
Bertanya kepada Y.A.B. Tan Sri Dato' Abd Khalid Ibrahim: -
a) Yayasan Selangor telah ditubuhkan sebagai salah satu daripada program pembangunan belia Negeri Selangor. Sila beri maklum / nasihat, apa jenis syarikat / aktiviti atau kewarganegaraan yang akan diminta untuk menyumbang kepada Yayasan Selangor?
b) Apakah syarat-syarat yang akan dikenakan (sebagai contoh, usaha sama / 'joint venture', kenaikan premium tanah, perkongsian untung / 'profit sharing')?
c) Sila nyatakan jenis syarat-syarat yang berlainan, yang tidak disebutkan dalam soalan b), yang akan dikenakan.
PAPAN IKLAN
Bertanya kepada Y.B. Tuan Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew: -
a) Operator-operator papan iklan sedang bertanya, bila satu dasar untuk seluruh negeri yang adil akan dilaksanakan?
b) Bilakah dasar baru ini akan diberitahu kepada pemain industri dan dikenakan? Sila nyatakan tarikh yang tetap.
c) Apakah garis panduan / proses-proses terperinci, yang diamalkan oleh kerajaan Negeri Selangor untuk mengawal (regulate) industri papan iklan di Negeri Selangor terutamanya di bawah kawasan pentadbiran Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya?
INFRASTRUKTUR UNTUK MENURUNKAN KADAR JENAYAH
Bertanya kepada Y.B. Tuan Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew: -
a) Apakah langkah-langkah pencegahan dalam infrastruktur yang telah dirancang atau dilaksanakan untuk membanteras jenayah di dalam negeri?
b) Adakah negeri mempunyai program-program untuk menyediakan pekerjaan dalam jangka sederhana bagi menggalakkan lebih ramai orang untuk bekerja supaya dapat menyara diri sebagai alternatif daripada mengambil jalan keluar dengan melakukan kegiatan jenayah untuk mencari rezeki bagi keluarga mereka?
c) Berapakah mesyuarat-mesyuarat yang berlaku (dalam satu bulan) diantara kerajaan negeri termasuk pihak-pihak berkuasa tempatan dengan pihak polis untuk menilaikan keadaan jenayah di dalam negeri dan sila nyatakan beberapa langkah yang telah dilaksanakan sejak Mac 8, 2008 lalu?
BANJIR KILAT
Bertanya kepada Y.B. Tuan Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew: -
a) Sila nyatakan kawasan-kawasan di bawah daerah Petaling yang dikenalpasti sebagai kawasan banjir kilat.
b) Adakah peruntukan kewangan yang dibajetkan untuk tahun 2008/09 bagi skim-skim tebatan banjir dalam negeri untuk kawasan-kawasan ini dan berapa banyak?
c) Kawasan-kawasan yang manakah telah diperuntukan kewangan sebegini dan berapa banyak?
KEMUDAHAN TEMPAT LETAK KERETA
Bertanya kepada Y.B. Tuan Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew: -
a) Apakah langkah-langkah yang sedang diambil untuk memberi perhatian terhadap masalah tempat letak kereta di kawasan membeli-belah dan bangunan bertingkat seperti pangsapuri-pangsapuri serta kondominium-kondominium?
b) Hasil yang patut diperolehi oleh kerajaan tempatan terhilang dengan menswastakan konsesi tempat letak kereta di dalam negeri. Bilakah situasi ini akan dibalikkan supaya kerajaan mendapat balik hasil yang hilang?
c) Syarikat-syarikat manakah yang kini memegang hak untuk punggut bayaran letak kereta di dalam negeri? Sila senaraikan.
PESURUHJAYA BANGUNAN (COB)
Bertanya kepada Y.B. Tuan Iskandar Bin A. Samad: -
a) Kedudukan, fungsi dan proses membuat keputusan oleh Pesuruhjaya Bangunan (COB) telah mengapung diantara lembaga perumahan dan pihak berkuasa tempatan dengan arah yang tidak tertentu dan adalah tidak diketahui siapa yang akan kawal fungsi pesuruhjaya bangunan (COB) pada akhirnya. Apakah situasi terkini dan bagaimanakah perkara-perkara dasar yang berkenaan dengan pesuruhjaya bangunan (COB) akan diputuskan? Oleh lembaga perumahan atau pihak berkuasa tempatan?
b) Adakah kedudukan pesuruhjaya bangunan (COB) disetiap daerah diwartakan dan bila?
HAK MILIK TANAH
Bertanya kepada Y.A.B. Tan Sri Dato' Abd Khalid Bin Ibrahim: -
a) Bagaimanakah bahawa di dalam negeri Selangor, terdapat 14,442 hartanah yang telah diberikan taraf hak milik selamanya / tetap dimana pula adanya 14,167 hartanah yang di bawah taraf pajakan? Apakah kriteria dan syarat untuk kedua-dua jenis taraf pemilikan tanah sejak ia nampaknya tidak adil?
b) Jadi kalau terdapat 1487 tapak di Petaling Jaya yang mempunyai tempoh masa kurang daripada 10 tahun dalam pajakan mereka dan bahawa kawasan Bukit Gasing mempunyai kebanyakan daripada pemilikan tanah bawah kategori ini, apakah langkah-langkah yang telah diambil oleh kerajaan negeri untuk beri perhatian kepada isu ini dan jika kerajaan akan mengambil kira pertimbangan factor-faktor sejarah dan perlembagaan untuk membuat keputusan secara memihak taraf hak milik selamanya / tetap di Petaling Jaya?
c) Bilakah dasar yang kekal akan diwujudkan, yang akan menggabungkan pertimbangan aspek tanah dari segi sejarah dan perlembagaan untuk menentukan jenis hak milik tanah di Petaling Jaya?
PILIHANRAYA KERAJAAN TEMPATAN
Bertanya kepada Y.B. Tuan Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew: -
a) Adakah langkah-langkah yang diambil untuk membuat persiapan pada tahap masyarakat sivil untuk membentuk kerajaan tempatan secara memberangsangkan ahli-ahli dari pihak pertubuhan-pertubuhan bukan kerajaan untuk bersedia untuk mengandaikan jawatan-jawatan dalam kerajaan tempatan apabila pilihanraya kerajaan tempatan akan berlaku?
b) Bilakah anda menjangka pilihanraya kerajaan tempatan akan berlangsung pada akhir tempoh perkhidmatan jawatan ahli majlis dan kalau tidak, mengapa?
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Section 14 folks seek MBPJ approval to convert homes to semi-commercial status
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/7/22/central/21865815&sec=central
By JADE CHAN
SEVERAL RESIDENTS from Section 14 had a meeting with the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) regarding the conversion of several blocks of houses in Section 14 to semi-commercial status.
The affected houses are located in six blocks along Jalan 14/20, Jalan 14/14 and Jalan 14/24.
At the meeting, chaired by Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee, the council was represented by town planning department senior deputy director Zain Azly Abd Rahman.
Lee said the meeting was held when one of the owners of the Section 14 property requested for a review of the land use of the area to convert it from residential to semi-commercial status.
“Some of the residents made their application for the conversion more than 20 years ago, but MBPJ had not responded. Now they're appealing and have got the consensus of the majority to go ahead with the conversion.
“Most of them agreed to the conversion and would like to carry on living in their houses, which means that the ground floor of their units will be used for semi-commercial activities.
“The conversion, if approved, will follow strict guidelines set by the MBPJ on the activities that can take place,” said Lee.
“The MBPJ has stated that the guidelines allow only limited commercial activities, but they need to define the type of activities that are allowed. These activities will be made known to the owners at subsequent meetings.”
In the meantime, he said, the residents will have to elect a leader to represent each block to further study the proposal with the MBPJ.
“My main concern is that such commercialisation will not further aggravate the traffic situation in the area. The MBPJ will have to look into this aspect and be stringent in their selection of the activities that are allowed,” said Lee.
On the various problems that were raised by the residents during the meeting, including indiscriminate parking, environmental issues and repair works that take place after working house, Lee said that he would talk to the respective department heads at MBPJ and get its enforcement officers to address the problem.
He also urged the residents to keep in touch with their new councillor (Thiruvenggadam Anamuthu).
By JADE CHAN
SEVERAL RESIDENTS from Section 14 had a meeting with the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) regarding the conversion of several blocks of houses in Section 14 to semi-commercial status.
The affected houses are located in six blocks along Jalan 14/20, Jalan 14/14 and Jalan 14/24.
At the meeting, chaired by Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee, the council was represented by town planning department senior deputy director Zain Azly Abd Rahman.
Lee said the meeting was held when one of the owners of the Section 14 property requested for a review of the land use of the area to convert it from residential to semi-commercial status.
“Some of the residents made their application for the conversion more than 20 years ago, but MBPJ had not responded. Now they're appealing and have got the consensus of the majority to go ahead with the conversion.
“Most of them agreed to the conversion and would like to carry on living in their houses, which means that the ground floor of their units will be used for semi-commercial activities.
“The conversion, if approved, will follow strict guidelines set by the MBPJ on the activities that can take place,” said Lee.
“The MBPJ has stated that the guidelines allow only limited commercial activities, but they need to define the type of activities that are allowed. These activities will be made known to the owners at subsequent meetings.”
In the meantime, he said, the residents will have to elect a leader to represent each block to further study the proposal with the MBPJ.
“My main concern is that such commercialisation will not further aggravate the traffic situation in the area. The MBPJ will have to look into this aspect and be stringent in their selection of the activities that are allowed,” said Lee.
On the various problems that were raised by the residents during the meeting, including indiscriminate parking, environmental issues and repair works that take place after working house, Lee said that he would talk to the respective department heads at MBPJ and get its enforcement officers to address the problem.
He also urged the residents to keep in touch with their new councillor (Thiruvenggadam Anamuthu).
Monday, June 2, 2008
PJ folk raise five issues with APAC
By Sheila Sri Priya, NST
Liew Wei Beng (fourth from left) the president of APAC, with
Edward Lee (sixth from left) the Bukit Gasing state assemblyman at the meeting.
PETALING JAYA: If you stay in Petaling Jaya and are unhappy with what is going on in the area, you can complain to All Petaling Jaya, Selangor Residents Association Coalition (APAC).
APAC was formed about five months ago and is headed by Liew Wei Beng. Its main objective is to help the residents of Petaling Jaya deal with the issues affecting their areas. Liew said APAC acts as the intermediary between PJ residents and MBPJ.
APAC has already started looking into five issues raised by residents. They are:
Edward Lee (sixth from left) the Bukit Gasing state assemblyman at the meeting.
PETALING JAYA: If you stay in Petaling Jaya and are unhappy with what is going on in the area, you can complain to All Petaling Jaya, Selangor Residents Association Coalition (APAC).
APAC was formed about five months ago and is headed by Liew Wei Beng. Its main objective is to help the residents of Petaling Jaya deal with the issues affecting their areas. Liew said APAC acts as the intermediary between PJ residents and MBPJ.
APAC has already started looking into five issues raised by residents. They are:
- The 10 per cent hike in assessment fees on residents in 2006.
- MBPJ's gazzetted account amounting to millions which also includes uncollected assessment fees. To date no figures have been made public.
- The accounts of the MBPJ's football club funds after the club was closed in 2007.
- The number of illegal billboards around PJ.
- The privatisation of car parks in PJ to a company called Godell.
Liew has appealed to PJ residents to join APAC. The membership registration fee is RM10 and the yearly subscription RM50.
PJ residents with relevant problems are urged to call or e-mail any one of the committee members.
Under APAC is the Condominium Apartment and High Rise Building (CAAC) unit, of which the chairman is Tengku Nazaruddin Tengku Zainudin. "We have 60 condos and high-rise buildings around PJ. Our focus is on the issues related to the welfare of the residents of these buildings," said Nazaruddin.
Meanwhile, Ho Fook Chuan, a resident of Flora Damansara, Damansara Perdana, said he is frustrated by the long-delay in the formation of the Joint Management Bodies (JMB). Talks in setting up JMB have been underway since April. JMB is a body that would officially link the management offices of high-rise buildings with MBPJ in resolving problems faced by the residents.
"The local authorities do not seem to be serious about this. Residents living in high-rise building are living with problems like lift breakdowns."These problems are often unattended by the management of the building and this is where JMB would come in useful," he said.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Compost project for PJ folks
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/5/30/central/21390406&sec=central
By TAN KARR WEI
PETALING Jaya residents can volunteer to take part in an 18-month project to compost their household waste.
The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and the Centre for Environment, Technology and Development, Malaysia (Cetdem), signed an agreement to run a community household waste composting project on Wednesday.
MBPJ secretary Puasa Mohd Taib said PJ residents generated 145,000 tonnes of rubbish in 2007 and the recycling rate was less than three per cent.
He added that the council spent RM38mil and RM44mil in waste management in 2006 and 2007, respectively.
Through the Community Household Composting (CHC@PJ) project, 50 households from different geographical and demographical backgrounds would be selected and guided on the proper ways of composting.
The houses or high-rise residential units should have enough space to carry out the composting.
Materials like buckets, bins and recording charts would be given and participants would also attend training workshops and review meetings.
The project cost of RM120,000 would be funded by the Danish International Development Assistance solid waste management component (Danida-SWMC) Housing and Local Government Ministry national solid waste management department assistant director Dr Tan Beng Hoe said the initiative is in line with the ministry’s policy in promoting public participation in solid waste management, especially in waste separation and minimisation.
MBPJ is one of the 10 local authorities that would institutionalise public participation in solid waste management.
Also present at the signing ceremony were Danida-SWMC chief technical advisor Ib Larsen, Cetdem executive director Anthony Tan and Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee.
To apply or for more details, contact Tan Siew Luang of Cetdem at 03-7875 7667 or email of@cetdem.org.my; or MBPJ LA21 officer Lee Lih Shyan at 03-7956 3544 or email lee@mbpj.gov.my.
By TAN KARR WEI
PETALING Jaya residents can volunteer to take part in an 18-month project to compost their household waste.
The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and the Centre for Environment, Technology and Development, Malaysia (Cetdem), signed an agreement to run a community household waste composting project on Wednesday.
MBPJ secretary Puasa Mohd Taib said PJ residents generated 145,000 tonnes of rubbish in 2007 and the recycling rate was less than three per cent.
He added that the council spent RM38mil and RM44mil in waste management in 2006 and 2007, respectively.
Through the Community Household Composting (CHC@PJ) project, 50 households from different geographical and demographical backgrounds would be selected and guided on the proper ways of composting.
The houses or high-rise residential units should have enough space to carry out the composting.
Materials like buckets, bins and recording charts would be given and participants would also attend training workshops and review meetings.
The project cost of RM120,000 would be funded by the Danish International Development Assistance solid waste management component (Danida-SWMC) Housing and Local Government Ministry national solid waste management department assistant director Dr Tan Beng Hoe said the initiative is in line with the ministry’s policy in promoting public participation in solid waste management, especially in waste separation and minimisation.
MBPJ is one of the 10 local authorities that would institutionalise public participation in solid waste management.
Also present at the signing ceremony were Danida-SWMC chief technical advisor Ib Larsen, Cetdem executive director Anthony Tan and Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee.
To apply or for more details, contact Tan Siew Luang of Cetdem at 03-7875 7667 or email of@cetdem.org.my; or MBPJ LA21 officer Lee Lih Shyan at 03-7956 3544 or email lee@mbpj.gov.my.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Selangor Assembly Passes Motion on Formation of SELCAT on Last Day
The first sitting of the 12th Selangor State Legislative Assembly today passed the motion on the establishment of the Special Select Committee on Competence, Accountability and Transparency (SELCAT).
The committee will regulate and inspect the competence, accountability and transparency in all administrative matters of the state government and all agencies, statutory bodies, local authorities and organisations linked to or are under the administration of the state government.
Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim told a press conference that the committee was empowered to hold public hearings and could recommend investigations like the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Datuk V.K. Lingam video clip.
The committee is chaired by State Assembly Speaker Teng Chang Khim and his deputy Haniza Mohamed Talha, Mohamed Azmin Ali (PKR-Bukit Antarabangsa), Saari Sungib (PAS-Hulu Klang), Edward Lee Poh Lin (DAP-Bukit Gasing), Sulaiman Abdul Razak (BN-Permatang) and Ismail Sani (BN-Dusun Tua).
On the last day of the sitting which ended at 9pm tonight, the State Assembly also passed the motion calling on the federal government to abolish the Internal Security Act (ISA) and release all the ISA detainees or charge all of them in court. — BERNAMA
The committee will regulate and inspect the competence, accountability and transparency in all administrative matters of the state government and all agencies, statutory bodies, local authorities and organisations linked to or are under the administration of the state government.
Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim told a press conference that the committee was empowered to hold public hearings and could recommend investigations like the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Datuk V.K. Lingam video clip.
The committee is chaired by State Assembly Speaker Teng Chang Khim and his deputy Haniza Mohamed Talha, Mohamed Azmin Ali (PKR-Bukit Antarabangsa), Saari Sungib (PAS-Hulu Klang), Edward Lee Poh Lin (DAP-Bukit Gasing), Sulaiman Abdul Razak (BN-Permatang) and Ismail Sani (BN-Dusun Tua).
On the last day of the sitting which ended at 9pm tonight, the State Assembly also passed the motion calling on the federal government to abolish the Internal Security Act (ISA) and release all the ISA detainees or charge all of them in court. — BERNAMA
Selangor Assembly Passes Motion On Formation Of SELCAT On Last Day
www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=335497
SHAH ALAM, May 26 (Bernama) -- The first sitting of the 12th Selangor State Legislative Assembly today passed the motion on the establishment of the Special Select Committee on Competence, Accountability and Transparency (SELCAT).
The committee will regulate and inspect the competence, accountability and transparency in all administrative matters of the state government and all agencies, statutory bodies, local authorities and organisations linked to or are under the administration of the state government.
Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim told a press conference that the committee was empowered to hold public hearings and could recommend investigations like the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Datuk V.K. Lingam video clip.
The committee is chaired by State Assembly Speaker Teng Chang Khim and his deputy Haniza Mohamed Talha, Mohamed Azmin Ali (PKR-Bukit Antarabangsa), Saari Sungib (PAS-Hulu Klang), Edward Lee Poh Lin (DAP-Bukit Gasing), Sulaiman Abdul Razak (BN-Permatang) and Ismail Sani (BN-Dusun Tua).
On the last day of the sitting which ended at 9pm tonight, the State Assembly also passed the motion calling on the federal government to abolish the Internal Security Act (ISA) and release all the ISA detainees or charge all of them in court.
SHAH ALAM, May 26 (Bernama) -- The first sitting of the 12th Selangor State Legislative Assembly today passed the motion on the establishment of the Special Select Committee on Competence, Accountability and Transparency (SELCAT).
The committee will regulate and inspect the competence, accountability and transparency in all administrative matters of the state government and all agencies, statutory bodies, local authorities and organisations linked to or are under the administration of the state government.
Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim told a press conference that the committee was empowered to hold public hearings and could recommend investigations like the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Datuk V.K. Lingam video clip.
The committee is chaired by State Assembly Speaker Teng Chang Khim and his deputy Haniza Mohamed Talha, Mohamed Azmin Ali (PKR-Bukit Antarabangsa), Saari Sungib (PAS-Hulu Klang), Edward Lee Poh Lin (DAP-Bukit Gasing), Sulaiman Abdul Razak (BN-Permatang) and Ismail Sani (BN-Dusun Tua).
On the last day of the sitting which ended at 9pm tonight, the State Assembly also passed the motion calling on the federal government to abolish the Internal Security Act (ISA) and release all the ISA detainees or charge all of them in court.
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