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 For changing circumstances, outdated rules and regulations need to be amended.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.