Speaking is not a problem for many people. Most of the time, we talk to each others. However, speaking with fact, confidence, convincingly, precisely and more importantly without hurting others is not an easy task. We have to talk to someone politely even though it means confronting others. Sometime the way we express ourselves or voice out with high or low tune will bring in different meanings regarding what we want to communicate. You must express sympathy and lower down the tune whenever you are trying to comfort someone encountering bad moment in life. Similarly, if you want to congratulate someone for his achievement, it is undesirable to express how you feel with sad wordings or face. In this respect, speaking is truly an art. It is no wonder that many public speaking courses and colleges have been set up to cater to the need of teaching people how to speak professionally.
I have come across at many occasions some people who might have spoken about wrong things during wrong time at the wrong forum. For example, talked about internal conflict and problems of the organisation during celebration function attended by externality. Talked about scientific terminology such as effects of carbon dioxide on climate change to the small kid is considered targeting wrong group. We should be cautious on what we talk and think twice before opening the mouth. This is especially so for the angry man who might have not been able to refrain from throwing whatever words come to his mind immediately.
Not many are born orator and can deliver speech impromptu at any occasion. In order for us to speak precisely and fulfilling the objective of speaking, well preparation can be of help. Prepare in advance the speech with research, study the characteristic of target group, familiar with the environment and practice until you are confident enough to talk without holding the piece of paper, I presume.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
Flooding
Nobody can imagine that flooding due to heavy downpour can cause shortage of water suppply. It must be crazy of talking about insufficient of water when the streets and settlements are submerged under the water level. Well, this is the reality of life now. For the past few days, heavy and non stop rain has caused much inconvenience to the public in which some saw their cars at the basement of building submerged under the water. Sudden rise of water level is not caused by the openning of gate at the reservoir as claimed by some quaters, but rather the volume of water running through the river is heavy, faster and speedy. While heavy downpour is to be blame, the reduce capacity of our river system due to siltation and narrowing of water carriageway and lack of retention pond with increase hard surface from slowing down the runoff are also cause for concern.
Although many might not be affected directly by the sudden flooding, they are now indirectly affected because of the rationing in water supply and of cause stuck in the traffic jam commuting from house to work place that by pass the flooding area. I believe this is what we call environmental issues is borderless and transboundery. The moment everybody takes his/her own responsibility of not polluting the environment and trying his/her best in conserving the environment, then the problem of environment, such as flooding can be overcome, if not at least to minimise the risks. If everyone has high percentage of green coverage or even installing the rain water harvesting system in their house, then for sure the runoff of rain can be slowed down, or absorbed into the soil.
This is easier said been done unless some drastic happenings occur, i presume.
Although many might not be affected directly by the sudden flooding, they are now indirectly affected because of the rationing in water supply and of cause stuck in the traffic jam commuting from house to work place that by pass the flooding area. I believe this is what we call environmental issues is borderless and transboundery. The moment everybody takes his/her own responsibility of not polluting the environment and trying his/her best in conserving the environment, then the problem of environment, such as flooding can be overcome, if not at least to minimise the risks. If everyone has high percentage of green coverage or even installing the rain water harvesting system in their house, then for sure the runoff of rain can be slowed down, or absorbed into the soil.
This is easier said been done unless some drastic happenings occur, i presume.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Demolition of Building vs Earth Work
Is building demolition work constituted part of the earth work? This is question posted to me early yesterday morning. Presently, requirement for submitting earth work plan to the local authority requires that planning permission is still valid and in effect or else the project proponents have to extend the approval of planning permission first. Once work has started on site, then validity of planning permission is deem have complied with and other approvals by the Local Council such as earth work plan, building plan and road and drainage plan precede. Therefore, many project proponent will either forward application to extend the planning permission if work is anticipated to start before the approval of any of the above plans or to seek speedy approval of these plans before expiry of the planning permission. This is well understood thus far.
However, there is a project of involving demolition of an existing building and constructing the new building as replacement. The project proponent got the permit from the respective department to demolish the existing building before the expiry of planning permission but only managed to make submission for earth work plan approval well after the expiry of planning permission period. Under such circumstances, is demolition of existing building constituted as part of the earth work? If yes, then it means work has started without approval and is subjected to fine. But at the same time, it means planning permission is not required for extension. If the answer is no in which demolition work is not considered as part of the earth work, then the project proponent has to submit planning permission to extend the period of validity.
According to the Street, Drainage and Building Act, 1974 (Act 133), Section 70a, earth work includes any act to dig, flatten, fill with any material, piling, building foundation or to cut down the trees or other actions that affect or impact on any piece of land. So, the question now is whether the demolition work on existing building is construed as one type of earth work according to the above definition?
i am still looking for an answer.
However, there is a project of involving demolition of an existing building and constructing the new building as replacement. The project proponent got the permit from the respective department to demolish the existing building before the expiry of planning permission but only managed to make submission for earth work plan approval well after the expiry of planning permission period. Under such circumstances, is demolition of existing building constituted as part of the earth work? If yes, then it means work has started without approval and is subjected to fine. But at the same time, it means planning permission is not required for extension. If the answer is no in which demolition work is not considered as part of the earth work, then the project proponent has to submit planning permission to extend the period of validity.
According to the Street, Drainage and Building Act, 1974 (Act 133), Section 70a, earth work includes any act to dig, flatten, fill with any material, piling, building foundation or to cut down the trees or other actions that affect or impact on any piece of land. So, the question now is whether the demolition work on existing building is construed as one type of earth work according to the above definition?
i am still looking for an answer.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Councillors
Finally after delaying the new appointment of local councillors in Selangor for 2 months, the new term is starting beginning March. For the incoming councillors, I believe their hand is full with issues. Top of the list is to combat the problem of waste management. To be precise, it is waste collection as not all are interested to know where is the disposal or treatment or recycling done in the whole cocoon of waste management. It was reported that some hiccups did occur because of the transition period of getting new contractors within a very short period. Second on the list is how to ensure an orderly and planned development so as not to bring much disturbance to the daily routine of the people. It means tried not to ask people to make adjustment on their life style and comfort zone. For example, traffic congestion due to construction is something people are worried about. Thirdly is to ensure that development programmes as budgeted are carried out efficiently and effectively. Everyone is anticipating that development programmes for community, infrastructure improvement schemes and businesses vibrancy should be there by now or may be half a year ago for people to make objective judgement on the effectiveness of present governance system. As such, it is time to communicate with the people on these programmes or achievements. Fourthly, it is also important especially for the newcomers to get to know their stakeholders and council staffs on the expectation and capacity as well as communicating with them their aspiration.
I believe no honey moon window is provided but rather work, work and work smartly and efficiently.
I believe no honey moon window is provided but rather work, work and work smartly and efficiently.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Planning Authority
Who is the planning authority when it comes to deciding the future development of an area. Most part of the World would see the local government playing an important role of mapping out the development trend and direction. Only when it comes to the issues of cross border affair, then an inter-regional or cities agency involvement would come in handy. This is logical as the local government being the governance system closet to the grassroot is supposedly knew what best for the their area. However, with the advancement of ICT and globalisation in which flowing of information, capital, investment and even human resources are so mobile and freely, this analogy might not be able to apply in full. On top of that the effect of climate change which is borderless compounded the need for closer cooperation and understanding of different agencies at various level.
In the case of Malaysia, under the provision of Act 172, the local authority is the local planning authority, and rightly so. However, when it comes to making decision on development direction and projects esepcially the mega project, it is always the case of refering to the government higher up, that is the State Government for guidance. In some States, even the application is considered at the State level before any advice to pass down to the local authority to consider as a guide. A guide? Well, it normally carries through without questions.
Can the State Government overrule decision on planning permission application made by the local planning authority? Obviously the answer is NO because that is the channel of Planning Appeal Board. Thereby the question of State Government approved a project after the project has been rejected by the local planning authority should not arise at all. If the State Government has different opinion, it can always go back to the procedure of issueing directive for the local planning authority to abide to the directive and guidelines, I presume.
In the case of Malaysia, under the provision of Act 172, the local authority is the local planning authority, and rightly so. However, when it comes to making decision on development direction and projects esepcially the mega project, it is always the case of refering to the government higher up, that is the State Government for guidance. In some States, even the application is considered at the State level before any advice to pass down to the local authority to consider as a guide. A guide? Well, it normally carries through without questions.
Can the State Government overrule decision on planning permission application made by the local planning authority? Obviously the answer is NO because that is the channel of Planning Appeal Board. Thereby the question of State Government approved a project after the project has been rejected by the local planning authority should not arise at all. If the State Government has different opinion, it can always go back to the procedure of issueing directive for the local planning authority to abide to the directive and guidelines, I presume.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Value For Money
We always talk about value for money when the procurement of services is evaluated. For example, if an electrical appliance can perform multitasks and having longer life span, then we will think that it is worth the money spent. Similarly, a product can deliver performance beyond the expectation will definitely cause a very pleasant surprise. However, money for value is very subjective depending on how you evaluate it and what kind of parameters are taken into consideration.
For businesses, previously the only consideration is perhaps the bottom line of profit. The bigger the margin, the higher the value is. However, nowadays with higher demand of CSR from the public, apart from profit making, public concerns that affect the corporate and brand image of a company will also be taken into consideration. These include environmental and social objectives of the company such as their stand and ethic on sustainable environmental management, disabled people, child labour, fair trade, youth, gender equity and etc.
For local authorities, value of a service or development project is obviously cannot be measured fiscally but together with other socio-economic consideration. Many of us know that building a community hall is financially not viable as the return of investment is much longer. Similarly providing the hawkers centre or wet market or stadium are not business driven but rather fulfilling the community needs. Thereby, it is arguable for taking only financial parameter as the sole consideration in measuring whether a project is value for money or not. Other parameters such as community need, social and value enhancement, community development, political mileage, institutional responsibilities are equally important. However, these parameters are qualitative in nature and subjective depending on circumstances. It is a difficult task for quantifying these parameters. I presume, a more structure and inclusive way of measuring is required.
For businesses, previously the only consideration is perhaps the bottom line of profit. The bigger the margin, the higher the value is. However, nowadays with higher demand of CSR from the public, apart from profit making, public concerns that affect the corporate and brand image of a company will also be taken into consideration. These include environmental and social objectives of the company such as their stand and ethic on sustainable environmental management, disabled people, child labour, fair trade, youth, gender equity and etc.
For local authorities, value of a service or development project is obviously cannot be measured fiscally but together with other socio-economic consideration. Many of us know that building a community hall is financially not viable as the return of investment is much longer. Similarly providing the hawkers centre or wet market or stadium are not business driven but rather fulfilling the community needs. Thereby, it is arguable for taking only financial parameter as the sole consideration in measuring whether a project is value for money or not. Other parameters such as community need, social and value enhancement, community development, political mileage, institutional responsibilities are equally important. However, these parameters are qualitative in nature and subjective depending on circumstances. It is a difficult task for quantifying these parameters. I presume, a more structure and inclusive way of measuring is required.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Driver of Decision Making
What is the driver of decision making? It will depend on who, whom, when, where and magnitude of the decision made. For deciding where to eat and shop, it is very much depended on an individual's experience and own desire as well as circumstances during the moment decision has to take. For deciding problem solving solution, many factors have to be taken into consideration such as the effectiveness and efficiency of the solution. For example, deciding on relocating the unlicensed hawkers to new trading site, first to come to mind is the acceptance of the stakeholders involved. Hence, engaging them from the beginning will be a good start. Secondly, other social, political and economic factors have to be considered as well. It is a complicated process as many quarters with different interest and priority will be involved.
When it comes to city planning and management, the decision making process is getting more complicated as various stakeholders with different interest and agenda come into the picture. For developers and land owners, they want higher enhancement value for their properties. Similarly, for the businesses they want higher volume of turn over. For the service providers, they want to provide services as efficient as possible. For local authority, it is the priority of making the city a liveable and sustainable one. Top of the list, i think it is the want of people who reside here. Generally, they want to remain status qua if the area has been vibrant and liveable since their day of living here. They would not like changes that come with a heavy price disturbing their daily routine of lifestyle. For example, taking extra half an hour for commuting from the house to work place is definitely not welcome. Sandwiching in the long queue of traffic during school hour and encountering broken drains and mismanaged facilities will make them angry. They will always argue that these issues are not their want and were result of wrong decision taken during the planning process of those who have been entrusted to plan so. For this, they want to be involved in the decision making. I presume, aspiring for better and liveable environment is the driver for their decision making.
Having driver alone is not sufficient because decision making is an art. It needs right approaches, means and techniques for making an appropriate decision. Although no decision can please all the people, but the least is to fulfill the plight of most of the people, I believe.
When it comes to city planning and management, the decision making process is getting more complicated as various stakeholders with different interest and agenda come into the picture. For developers and land owners, they want higher enhancement value for their properties. Similarly, for the businesses they want higher volume of turn over. For the service providers, they want to provide services as efficient as possible. For local authority, it is the priority of making the city a liveable and sustainable one. Top of the list, i think it is the want of people who reside here. Generally, they want to remain status qua if the area has been vibrant and liveable since their day of living here. They would not like changes that come with a heavy price disturbing their daily routine of lifestyle. For example, taking extra half an hour for commuting from the house to work place is definitely not welcome. Sandwiching in the long queue of traffic during school hour and encountering broken drains and mismanaged facilities will make them angry. They will always argue that these issues are not their want and were result of wrong decision taken during the planning process of those who have been entrusted to plan so. For this, they want to be involved in the decision making. I presume, aspiring for better and liveable environment is the driver for their decision making.
Having driver alone is not sufficient because decision making is an art. It needs right approaches, means and techniques for making an appropriate decision. Although no decision can please all the people, but the least is to fulfill the plight of most of the people, I believe.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
