Sustainable Planner

During a discussion, I was informed that in Australia the most difficult people to be convinced embracing sustainability is the town planners. Whenever the subject of incorporating sustainable development principles into practice and planning, their pre-requisite is to have the rules and guidelines first. The planners are so abide by the regulations and standards that very few can take bold steps to make first change. It is only after the sustainable development proponents convinced them with figures and data that the planners will start making amendment to plans. Perhaps this precautionary attitude is due to training. Planners are trained to formulate policies and to draft plan after taking into consideration every aspects and factors ranging from physical, social, environment to economy.

However, this approach has made planners lagging behind when it comes to championing sustainability issues.

Planners as the public guardian to conserve a quality living environment should have gone in front without being asked for. Planners should have set a role model for other professional.

I hope that planners can participate and contribute actively in the Malaysia Government pledge of reducing 40% CO2 by 2020. We should not miss the boat again.

Catch22@PJ:Small Traders

During the economic down turn, many people ventured into other trades. Informal sector with easier entry point attract more people especially those with low skill, capital and commitment. Undoubtedly, small traders are important components in our economy supply chain. Aspiring small traders should be provided with assistance and facilitation to trade and as a training ground for them prior moving into SME sector later. After all, growth of many MNC is following similar path.


It is not wrong for local authorities to issue license and to identify new trading sites or even to construct new business premises and to lease it to them with nominal fee. Certainly, Local authorities have the social responsibility.

Equally, those benefited from the local authorities have social responsibility as well. They are here making money with minimum risks and gaining higher profit margin. My observation is, sorry to say they are not reciprocating the good gesture of the residents and local authorities. Pardon me for saying this, majority of the small traders are irresponsible citizens and many of them are not fit to be given opportunity to continue trading. Some even said these people have robbed our rights and raped our green area. Let me quote some examples,


1. Mobile hawkers as the name suggested, are given license to trade from places to places and they are not permitted to stop at a place longer than permitted. What happen now is many of them are stationed permanently in a place, and some even place objects there overnight to prevent others from using it. It causes traffic jam and nuisance.

2. The business hour for night market is 5pm and onwards. What happen now is many of the car park lots and streets are occupied and blocked starting from as early as 3pm. I have a bitter experience in SS2 some time ago. A hawker scolded me for parking at a legitimate lot as it was obstructing his stall. At that time, it was 4.00pm.


3. Many of the small traders occupied open space, pedestrian walkway, car park lot, utilities reserve or even the walkway for disabled people for their business and utensils. It is common to see washing and storing activities at the back lanes. They are denying the public right’s for accessibility and facilities enjoyment.

4. The dirty outlook of business premises and surrounding area made you wonder are they not caring about the environment and Mother Earth. At one of the dialogue session amongst officers, developer, small traders and residents over a proposal to build a commercial plaza and market, a resident voiced her concern of tolerating with the odour for 24 hours daily in which small traders of the market might not even care. I wonder if we can have more such concerned residents to stand up openly and to demand well behavior small traders.


5. Many have considered the business premises and licenses are family asset and rightfully family members should inherit the licenses or premises, even though these are public properties. You will see the same owners or the children are continuing with the trade perpetually. Some are large and experience enough to venture into bigger scale, but remain to stay put.

I have been witnessing this scenario since day one of my service. I do not foresee any changes unless having stronger political will and management commitment. I do not foresee any changes unless the small traders are compassionate about inculcating sense of collective responsibility towards sustainable environment and fair trade. I believe that stricter enforcement such as closure of trading premises and cancellation of license is required. I believe other stakeholders such as residents and consumers groups shall advocate proactively for a better, healthy and sustainable environment in which boycotting the irresponsible traders is the top and only priority. Until then, changes can only take place unless a crisis such as disease break out or food poisoning, if unfortunately happened or else it is status quo.


We are in the Catch 22 situation now. On one hand, we have to facilitate for the growth of small traders as an important component in our economy system. On the other hand, they do not show good reciprocate gestures towards the community and environment. If we need to make a choice, I prefer to not having the small traders.

Catch22@PJ:Innovation

An overzealous Government will not let innovation growth. While Government takes care of everything from cradle to graveyard is welcome by every citizen, the impact on individual and community development is more damages than good. Everyone is creative within his own rights but choose not to do so due to the good living and working environment. A Government providing high quality of living environment made people think less, concern less and worried the least. The values of exploratory, adventurous, courageous and gut of people are diminished or even being killed over time. People resist changes and will only do so if a crisis occurred or gaining visible benefits. This attitude is worsening with the presence of “Good” Government.

Creativity and innovation cannot be nurtured through Government’s funding and legislation initiative alone. It is a battle for all. Innovation and creativity will only blossom whenever parents let the children think freely, the education system allows children to come out from the box and the society looks upon knowledge highly rather than the results. The Society is only interested to get As in examination, materialistic and making profits without looking serious onto learning, providing quality services and solutions. People prefer to raise questions, but very few can provide workable solutions.

I presume in order to inculcate innovation and creativity, Government has to provide room for market manipulation, to reduce control and to transform the role as development facilitator rather than service provider. The role of Government is to build a stage for people to dance freely. It is not the concern of the Government who, when and how the dancing are. The dancers will command respect if performance is excellent or else the dancing troop is facing problem of closure. Of course, if the Government feels that the performance is of low standard and public interest is affected, then it is necessary to formulate basic guidelines. However, participatory process is crucial and we need to be competence in determining what is good or bad. It is uncalled for banning any dancing performance immediately looking at surface without studying carefully the substance. For instance, dress code is always an issue.

We are in the Catch 22 situation now. On one hand, creativity and innovation is important catalyst for nation development. Human capital becomes an asset with the presence of creative and innovative workforce. For a country with small capital and consumers’ market as well as resources constraint, human asset is crucial. On the other hand, Government is trying to provide everything for her citizenry and this will kill off innovation and creativity.

The question is how to find a middle path. For me, the answers are good governance and sustainable development. Good governance means every stakeholder is involved in a transparent and just planning and decision-making process. Sustainable development meanwhile calls for a balanced and integrated development focusing on social, economic and environmental aspects. Some might argue that it is very idealistic as saying is easy than done.

I presume that we need to keep trying to find an appropriate model for everyone is crucial and way forward, even a small step is leapfrog to structural change, albeit slower pace. For example, declassify the “not-so-secretive” decisions making process on matters closely related to the general public or organizing more town hall meeting to discuss in mutual principle, and not only receiving feedback or even empowering the community-based organizations to take charge of their living environment. We might be surprise to note that they are so creative in managing their neighbourhood and resources, with minimum facilitation.

Transformation

Last week marked another milestone in Malaysia's history for good public governance. The 1Malaysia Transformation Programme Open Day was held at Sunway Pyramid over 2 days. The Open Day saw the setting up of 6 Labs displaying various identified key issues and proposals. Amongst them combating crime and corruption, upgrading of education, reducing poverty, improving public transportation and basic infrastructure. These are the National Key Result Areas as envisioned under PM's 1Malaysia concept, and rightly so as these are key concerns of the general public. Having a good start, is however would not win over the heart of the people if results are not delivered within expected time frame. Thereby, people attending the Open Day or even those who follow the reporting closely will be eagerly waiting the execution of actions be done as soon as possible. Until then, everyone is optimistic.

Open Day should have been held more often and at various places for the purpose of engaging wider spectrum of people. Looking at the turn out and issues closely related to everyone, the organising of such events in other places will definitely an inviting act. Previously, many of government events cannot attract attendance simply because of poor publicity, irrelevant of issues, wrong target groups and the worst is lack of follow through actions and updating of progress. It is hope that progress on any proposals from the Transformation Programme is constantly updated to general public and feedback are welcome. What people want the least is to be informed and to be heard although results might be forthcoming later.

Many issues were debated but interested many people are measures to counter the crime and corruption, followed by public transport and poverty. Some said all of them are inter-linked. For example, crime is a form of social ills and hunger people will commit crime. Similarly, too many agencies involved in the public transportation sector are also cause for corruption. Having said this, unarguably, all these issues are closely related to our daily life and determinant of our quality of life. To me, sustainable development as well.

Combating poverty is provided for under the Chapter 3, Agenda 21. Education is being discussed under Chapter 36, Agenda 21. Transparency and good governance are mentioned in every chapter of the Blue Print.

The transformation, if successful will have positive impact on sustainable development.

Christmas Concert 2009

Local Agenda 21 PJ achieved another milestone when the inaugural Christmas Concert 2009 was commenced on 15th December 2009 at the Auditorium of Civic Centre, PJ. The Concert was organised by MBPJ in collaboration with APAC and CFM to celebrate the festive season. It is a platform for enhancing greater interaction and mutual understanding on culture amongst people from the multi-ethnic society of Malaysia. More than 800 people joined YB Teresa Kok, Senior Exco Member of the Selangor State Government and other dignitaries enjoyed the two hours show. The show began with the singing of National and State Anthem, followed by prayer reciting and speeches as well as opening dance by MBPJ Cultural Troop. Next on stage was the Choir of the Selangor Philharmonic Society followed by popular singers Jaclyn Victor, Juwita Suwito and Patrick Leong whom rendered numerous festive songs. The night reached it peak with marvellous performance from Dr Joanne Yeoh, a respectable international violinist. The Concert was spiced up with lively and humorous cheers from Fahmi, the MC. It was a show one should have not missed it. I am glad to see people from all walk of life and segments of community attended the Concert. The presence of celebrities have definitely brought in people from different aged groups.

The success was attributed to the partnership and participation of various individual and groups. Without them and their persistent, the organising might not have even started. Kudos to Mr Michael Soon, Richard Yeoh, Patrick Leong and MBPJ staffs. While many have working tireless ensuring the show a success, the organising, as usual was not spared without challenges due to inept attitude of some people with reasons best known to themselves. This attitude, however did not deter others to move on. I presume, this is the true spirit of Local Agenda 21 and perhaps the underlying principle of 1Malaysia. The presence of YB Dato Seri Idris Jala, Minister of the Prime Minister Department testified that.

Social interaction in a diverse and multi-ethnic, cultural, religions and even social status society of Malaysia is always a challenge. It is a difficult task to unify people towards a shared value, objectives and vision for our Nation. Towards that, a lot of mutual understanding and awareness have to be created. The least the local authorities should do apart from policies and structural considerations, is to facilitate greater interaction by creating and providing multi platforms for everyone, regardless of their background, I presume.

MBPJ should continue doing so by using all festive season celebration as a platform for enhancing social cohesion. Until then, the vision of PJ as a dynamic and healthy city for ALL remains a distance dream.

Leadership Camp for Children

These are the messages disseminated by young participants of the Leadership Camp. To me, it is a wake up call to us the adult on how the children and youth feel and wanted to be accorded fair treatment in the city planning and development process. It is also a call for greater and mutual collaboration amongst different stakeholders. We, the adult have normally presumed that children and youth are too young the age to make a rational decision for their own, or even to express their opinion. It is us, to decide for them the best. Generally, we have not taken views and opinions of the children seriously. We have always said that children need protection and guidance, and most of the time absolute control. The room for their equal participation is very limited. Hence, it is always between you and me. What my parent want me to do or What I am asked to act for my own good. It proved me wrong after attending the Camp briefly and listened to their thoughts during the closing ceremony. Their views are so constructive, creative, compassionate and make sense. They asked the adult of not doing anything for them without them. They are ready to be involved and consulted as well as implementation.

On 8th December 2009, a total of 35 children aged 14-17 years old attended the Leadership Camp at Selesa Resort, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. The Camp was organised by MBPJ in collaboration with Community Support Network and Generasi Gemilang and supported by UNICEF. The Camp is an introductory session for the PJ Child Councillors prospects, part of the strategies for an initiative to develop PJ as a child friendly city as provided for under the Chapter 25, Agenda 21 and Convention for the Rights of Child.

I am confident that with this group of children around, the initiative of making PJ a child friendly city is attainable.

Rules of Law

Double standard and justification is separated only with a thin line, depending on how you look at it or from who's perception. While some authorities over zealous on some regulations for a particular area or issues, they tend to accommodate when specific needs arise. For some, this kind of adjustment is considerate and with humanity. However, other school of thought tend to argue that too much discretion power will lead to abuse and perhaps room for corruption. To me, it is a matter of transparency and good governance. Decision making process has to be known to every stakeholders, and from the beginning. Execution of decision has to be communicated with all affected, and do so from the beginning to the end. Any break down on communication and dissemination of information will result in confrontation and disruption to the planning process.

Decision making process is very tedious and not everyone will agree with the decision made. People objecting to the decision might have personal interest or agenda. Even those silent one will start making noise if they come across that the planning might have affected them. Keep in mind that people resist from changes. Informed decision is crucial.

Having said this, rules and regulations as well as the principles and spirit must always be adhered to. For changing circumstances, outdated rules and regulations need to be amended. No exception or exemption should be given or else suspicion will arise. People might have thought that favouritism and cronyism is taking place. Nobody, even the authorities should be spared from the rules. It is applied to everyone unless it is explicitly stated in the rules and agreed upon before the rules were endorsed. For example, if parking is not allowed, then summons should be issued to the offender even those he/she is the staff of local authority. Similarly, if we cannot allow erection of a signboard for displaying message other than for the owner himself, then it is also not right to grant a permit to third party for doing so. That's why it comes to my surprise knowing that a local authority goes against her own rules when a decision was made in flavour of them.

We obviously need to be consistent and lead by example when it comes to law abiding.

Back Lane

This is neither a store room or a house compound. It is a gated back lane in one of the neighbourhood. It is commonly noticed in many neighbourhood in PJ. For security reason, people resolve to barricade for control access. While it is understood the fear feeling of people, it is also a dangerous trend for safety consideration. It might become fire haphazard. Now, the smart mobile hawkers are using it for storage purpose. The chairs, containers, tables and even fridge are stored there. Not only it is for convenience purpose, but rather to me also for safe deposit. What a smart usage.

The question is should back lane be converted for better use? Previously, back lanes are provided as fire break and for urban services. However, with the introduction of services provision from the front of building and the possibility of maintaining 15 feet building setback without having the back lane, one will wonder why should we keep the existing back lanes.

I presume we can turn the back lanes onto a gated open space for the use of immediate neighbours. With at least 300 feet in length, it must be a good cycling track for children. With kitchens around the corner, it must be a good interaction place for housewife to chit chat on family matters or even cooking recipes. Perhaps the man can also spend time there after a day work. While we are talking about the losing of green space, perhaps converting the back lanes as green space will help to preserve the greenery. Having said this, the bottom line for local authorities should be having a maintenance-less and efficient-use of public space, hence saving on expenditure for road resurfacing, after all the work was not done very often.

Slow Food

Have you heard about slow food? To simplify, the opposite of fast food. It is a movement started to preserve traditional food from the threat of fast food which has revolutionised our life style, eating habit and even work culture. Fast food is unstoppable especially for the yuppies and working class with time is an essence for them. However, there are people worried about losing our traditional recipe on food making, the taste and even the memory of good old days. It is also a concern of standardization in food preparation, ingredients and monotonous selection of food will jeopardize our continue pursuing for good and variety of food. Using of same kind of ingredients will also discard the use of other types of vegetation, hence the degradation of biodiversity.

In Malaysia, slow food promotion is not targeting on opposing the fast food, rather than encouraging public to enjoy eating healthily and sustainably. It relates to organic farming as well. By encouraging people to cook with less oil, salt, sugar, vinegar and even to consume sufficiently for the need rather than want. People are also taught about planting for their own consumption by recycling the resources such as composting our household waste and using the seeds again.

The above were the theme for the 3rd Organic Day held on 5Th December 2009. The Organic Day was organised by MBPJ, CETDEM and Section 19 Residents Association to promote organic produce and sustainable urban lifestyle. It is a Local Agenda 21 capacity building program to raise public awareness for sustainable development. The event saw a big turnout and interested the most must be the demonstration on traditional way of making chee cheong fun. It certainly brought back the feel good old days.

Urban Regeneration: A Must

City is equivalent to our body. The inter-dependence of various land uses is similar to the organs in our body. The functioning of our body depends on how organs work and function effectively. A person needs to undergo a heart bypass for removing the blockage or else he is in danger of heart attack. Similarly, a city will remain stand still or even deprecated if incompatibility of land uses and urban sprawl happened. Aging cities just like human beings need revitalization or commonly known as overhaul or major service or else the dilapidated situation will discourage new investment and pushing away the aboriginal residents. A mature society in most of the developed city is also in need of new facilities to cater for the emerging needs of the dwellers. For instance, universal design or barrier free infrastructure for the senior citizens and people with disabilities becomes an essential part of the city. Advancing of technologies has also forced the city managers to look into equipping the management with new tools. For example, using GPS gestures to pin point exact location of facilities required urgent maintenance or even to monitor the complaints so that service quality is enhanced. Globalization has also demanded the city to reshape for capturing new business opportunities. Cities around the globe are competing for scarce resources and cities offering the best deal conducive for businesses, living and of course, social and economic returns will get better attention. Even the new Y and X generation with higher expectation and aspiration, of course more expose to the global work is asking regeneration of the city, that is closer to their taste and heart. It is insufficient of providing green space in the physical space that can fulfill their needs and wants, but rather the cyber space as well. All these are pushing city to pursue urban regeneration or revitalization or renewal or even redevelopment, partly or in total.

Planning is a dynamic process; hence, it is inevitable and unstoppable for a city to experience regeneration. Having said this, to grab the positive and greater impacts of the opportunities arise, a planned, participatory and inclusive process of development is required. All stakeholders have to be involved for making the old city, especially the inner part to function again, effectively and efficiently. For greater impact, stakeholders’ constructive involvement is required, and for that to happen their participation should be facilitated, conveniently, thoroughly and with ease.

Doing so, we need leadership and wills from all levels of governance, a shared vision and sense of belongings by all, appropriate mechanism, competent capacity, facilitating legislation, inculcation of trust as well as confident and provision of incentives are pre-requisite. Top of the list, to me is the stakeholders’ participation. And stakeholders, we are talking about those having a stake there for longer time. Developers, those who will bring in investment, develop and continually improving the area, rather than those having the intention of selling off everything without even want to claim their stakes should also be consulted. Market force is essential for urban regeneration, but it is not the only thing for consideration.

Urban regeneration is not a choice, but unavoidable. The readiness and willingness will determine how far and fast a city can go, in the world map instead of the regional or local level. Loving your city is also meant act responsibly and letting your city growth healthily and that include revitalization.

Effective Communication

I was asked by a colleague to help translating a notice from Malay Language to Chinese recently. The notice is meant to invite hawkers of a night market to attend a briefing and also balloting for the restructuring of the market. While Malay language is used for official function and corresponding, the officers agreed that for effective communication, all means of communications should be explored. These include sending sms informing the meeting, peer interaction, personal touch, e-mailing and private chat apart from the letters.

For effective information dissemination, the process is very critical. While specific target groups have to be identified, the means is equally important. For example, if the group does not care much about the subject matter, they will not attend to the matter. If the subject matter is related to their own interest, then by all mean they will find a way to get attention despite of getting notice in languages they are not familiar with.

In the case of restructuring the night market, I believe all of them will try to make themselves presence since most of them will be affected. Their livelihood is at stake as the location of their stall will determine whether they can make better business or not. Hence, translating the notice into another language should be seen as an added services by MBPJ. It shows the Council is engaging people friendly and people-centric approach. This approach is workable if there are interests attached to that or else nobody will bother much.

Having said this, I think exploring multiple approaches and means of communication is the way forward for effective public communication even though with or without self interest.