Happy New Year 2010

It is 10 years now onto the 21st Century. Last twelve months witnessed many happenings in MBPJ. Politically, The Council is under the rule of parties different from the Federal Government. Administratively, we have many young and energetic Councillors on board. Economically, the city is still up beat albeit global economic downturn. Socially, people are more vocal and proactive in engaging the Council over planning and development issues. Environmentally, the quality of rivers improved and forest of Kota Damansara is conserved. If measurement on sustainable development in PJ can be done in piece meal and compartmental basis, then I think the sustainability is achieved partly.


However, proponents of Local Agenda 21 know this is not the case. Sustainable development has to be measured in total and integrated with each dimension. We have for the past decade, promoting and advocating total sustainability, but the results have not been encouraging. People tend to focusing on a particular dimension of development and with other dimension as the ancillary effect. For example, property developers will argue that urban regeneration is good for revitalising the physical dilapidated condition and generating jobs and work space in which economic growth is on top of the priority. Similarly, Local authorities organising various community development programmes for harnessing good neighbourliness and citizenry. On the other hand, in the process of asking for more greenery communities reject all kind of development and changes that affect their life albeit small or big scale projects. While we agree that everyone has a right to safeguard their interest, we must also mindful that finding an amicable solution to cater for every one need is important. That's the challenge for sustainability.


For a sustainable Petaling Jaya, my wishes for 2010 is: -

1. Greater partnership, engagement and participation amongst various stakeholders. The relationship between partners are getting better in year 2009 especially when it comes to mutual interest but can be improved better. There is sign of vulnerable when it can to issues that affected own interest. For example, saga of Jalan Tanjung closure saw the disagreement between Bandar Utama and Tropicana in which both are actually the strong supporters advocating the conservation of Kota Damansara Community Forest Park. Towards that, greater empowerment and delegation of rights and responsibilities to the community-based organisations should be expedited. Residents groups should be entrusted to take charge of the management and maintenance of their neighbourhoods.


2. Strategic actions are important guide for long term commitment and direction. Without them, it is hard to see continuity in development but rather many are on piece meal basis. This will affect quality of services and works as well as wastage of fund. For example, the resurfacing of road need coordination between utilities agencies or else people will experience the digging of road everyday by different agencies. Towards that, vision and leadership are critical factors. Until we are sure the direction and envision the outcome for PJ, we are not able to chart out a clear strategic actions.


3. Holistic programmes that encompass social, economic and environmental dimensions is necessary. Throughout 2009 and in fact in the past, many programmes are done in pieces and with very little or without consideration of sustainable development. We have very clear cut of community social programme, sport activities, youth activities and etc. Very few are claiming as sustainable development initiatives. We have to strengthen these aspects or else the dream of developing PJ as a dynamic and healthy city for all remains an Utopian.


4. Higher integrity and competency of staffs is pre-requisite. Until then, it is a race between cat and mouse, day in and day out doing the same thing. For example, forgetting about disabled friendly features in the upgrading work of infrastructure is totally unacceptable because we have talking about this for so long. Ignorance or have not reminded for doing so should not occur again in 2010. Towards this end. integrity and competency of staff as well as the general public is important. Capacity building and publicity programmes should be held constantly and targeted to all stakeholders.

Local Agenda 21 Petaling Jaya is celebrating 10 years anniversary of its commencement. Since the initiation of LA 21 PJ in year 2000, many community initiatives with greater stakeholders' participation have been carried out. This year, it is time for reviewing the past and reshaping next steps. I hope to have all partners coming forward for this. Many of the planned programmes will be targeting on celebrating the achievement of past decade.

Happy New Year 2010.