5th Anniversary Celebration of PJ City

Coming to 20th June 2011, Petaling Jaya City Council will be celebrating the 5th Anniversary as a city. It is a day to be shared by all Petaling Jaya residents and stakeholders. Preparatory meeting was held to few days ago to kick start the programmes. I told the meeting to consider programmes that are inclusive for all. The programmes should be participated and enjoyed by all walk of life. Very often, when it comes to programmes planning, we forget about the need of the target group and rather put up programmes that the organiser thinks should of interest to the end users. This, most of the time proven wrong and at the end of the day money spent is not worth the efforts.

I did also suggest we should explore programmes with potential for future expansion and to take into consideration the advantages we have in Petaling Jaya. For example, as shopping, health tourism and education have been identified as the major attraction, then perhaps programmes tailored made to these sectors can be planned. For instance, to introduce the best street food in PJ or inviting the international students study in our local colleges to perform international cultural dance in our function.

Thirdly, I have also touched on the need for collaboration and partnership from other stakeholders in this celebration. MBPJ should not organise events alone but rather to invite others to join organising events for the celebration. For example, shopping malls can organise one day sale on 20th June. Similarly, service providers can provide free or complimentary service on that day. Eating outlets can think of free meal. Perhaps MBPJ should consider free on street parking on that day as well. This might reflect the theme of this year budget: "From the people, to the people and for the people".

Fourthly, MBPJ as the city manager of PJ is unable to manage the city alone. We need participation and assistance from other agencies and service providers to compliment each others in enhancing the livability of this city. We have postman delivers mail to every household. We have utilities companies staff to read meter monthly at the neighbourhood area. We have policemen help in diverting the traffic flow. We have rubbish collectors to dispose our waste daily. We have fireman to help in removing the fallen trees or obstruction on the road whenever a natural disaster occurred. so, in conjunction with the celebration, these are the people that we should recognise their efforts. Perhaps to have a reception for them.

Capitalising on the 5th year celebration, it is time for us to recognise and acknowledge residents of Petaling Jaya that have been contributing to the development of the nation and in particular for this city. Contribution can be in the field of environment, economy, social, physical and etc.

I think it is a way for us to say thank you, and I presume people will appreciate what MBPJ is trying to do.