Today marked the 5th Anniversary of Petaling Jaya declared as the City. On this day 5 years ago, Petaling Jaya was upgraded from the municipal level to city level and became the first non-capital city in Malaysia. It is a recognition towards an achievement of urban development over the last 50 years. From a humble beginning as the satellite new town to alleviate the developmental problem of Kuala Lumpur, the State Capital, PJ as it fondly known has come to age with its own economic base and self sustaining activities. It is a home for many who work here compared to 20 years ago in which many travelled to KL for work. It is also a place for tourists and shoppers in which many regional shopping complexes have been built. It is also a place for the comparison goods instead of the convenience goods. It is also home for many corporate and multi-nations companies. Hence, facade of Petaling Jaya has been transformed and continue with its legacy as the best place for living.
After 5 years, what next for Petaling Jaya is the question many will ponder? In the era of globalisation and climate change, while facing with many challenges, Petaling Jaya need to grasp the opportunities and leading other cities locally or internationally. Petaling Jaya has the potential to be the leading city in the field of financial and retail services, green technologies, quality living, education, health and LOHAS lifestyle. Policies and direction as well as incentive package should be set to engage stakeholders in these field. For instance, encouraging household to embrace green and low carbon living and lifestyle through the provision of economic instrument. Requesting the development proponents to build green building with low carbon features for a sustainable city of Petaling Jaya.
Service delivery can be further made more efficient and effective. Red tape and redundancy of policies and mechanism should be eliminated. Towards this end, optimising the application of ICT can be of great help. Why can't issuing of property rate notice through web site or e-mail so that cost of postal can be save and at the same time problem of missing mail can be addressed. Similarly, same arrangement can be done for license renewal, dog license and others. Why can't GPS and GIS technology be used for monitoring and controlling the wrong doing on the ground? Of course, delegation of power in making decision is another aspect worth exploring.
Good governance can be another mile stone to achieve. Having local election to elect the councillors will be way forwards and an emerging world trend that we will not and cannot prevent from happening. By involving the rate payers or residents in the process of choosing their representatives will create that kind of bonding between the service beneficiaries and the providers. When it comes to quality of service, it is always a chicken and eggs argument. Both end will claim they are right. By letting everyone has a say on it through elected representatives, I presume at least the standard of service can be agreed upon.
Engaging the community and stakeholders through the platform of Local Agenda 21 is another area for exploration. When it comes to voicing their views about development and administration, Petaling Jaya residents are the most active one compared to other parts of Malaysia. Thereby, providing a platform for their involvement and engagement is the way forward. People have a say in how city is managed as they are the one who will either benefit or victimise from the impact of development and administration. Petaling Jaya has for the past 20 years leading others in engaging the people. I presume this practice of good governance should go on.
Happy Birthday PJ.
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