TwoSen

SYED NADZRI hit the nail on the head when he wrote that for most of our political leaders, especially our cabinet ministers, the median age is around 59 years (”Learn the art of the graceful exit” - NST, Feb 5).

Renewal in our political landscape can only occur if the old timers make way for the young in the coming polls.

At present, we only have two cabinet members who were born after independence while the majority of the populace is made up of the young and educated.

Gone are the days when a candidate from the ruling parties could win seats easily by just waving the flags of the party they represent. Voters are more discreet and candidates whose track records are good will be returned to office in the coming polls.

I hope those who have overstayed their welcome, both in the ruling coalition and the opposition, will make way for others and retire graciously, as otherwise they may be dumped by voters who want younger people to represent them in parliament.

HAMDAN IBRAHIM, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – February 14, 2008

WE refer to the recent announcement by Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan, the datuk bandar of Kuala Lumpur, that the Kuala Lumpur local plan will be put up for public review in June 2008.

We look forward to working together with DBKL on the local plan to ensure a city that we can all be proud to live in.

We are, however, concerned about the statement by the datuk bandar that, “the (independent) committee would re-evaluate the proposals and come up with the best possible solution for all. But the people have to be reasonable about it. If the issue is about a little open space earmarked for development, don’t expect that there will be changes”.

We are not against development in any way, but if the “people” have to be reasonable, so should the developers. To submit applications to build apartments on land clearly earmarked for bungalow houses is not reasonable. To change the whole identity and character of an area is not reasonable. To inconvenience residents is not reasonable.

As an example: a seven-acre hill plot meant for just 15 bungalows is now crammed with 10 bungalows, 44 semi-detached houses, one eight-storey apartment block (28 units), one 15-storey apartment block (56 units), five-storey duplexes (70 units); another 10-storey block (110 units) on the fringes of this development; an increase in density from 10 persons per acre to well over 140 persons per acre.

Imagine, too, the projected traffic chaos with a minimum of 500 cars - compared with the original 30 - flowing onto little country lanes.

Once an approval for increase in density is given, that is then used as a base for the next application. The residents are then left to argue from facts set on the ground by DBKL and the developers.

Residents should not have to negotiate with shifting goalposts all the time. As it is, the townsfolk of Kuala Lumpur are constantly looking over their shoulders. What will be built next door? Another 45-storey apartment block? Further traffic congestion?

We now have to act as vigilantes and are patrolling our neighbourhoods, looking for that elusive signboard, having to scour newspaper notices, and being on standby all the time just to protect our rights.

We not only have to waste time sending protest letters, but have to attend public objection hearings which would never have to be conducted if the application had been rejected as it should have been.

If we in Bukit Tunku and Taman Duta, who pay premium land prices and high assessment rates, are facing these problems, what then of those less privileged? With this local plan, there should be clarity and precise regulations.

We look to you, DBKL, to prove to us that local councils do act for the residents as well. Until the local plan is out, we urge DBKL to stop any ad-hoc developments in Kuala Lumpur.

Please don’t accept any more applications that are contrary to guidelines of that area. Make them comply with rules and regulations. Please do the right thing, datuk bandar.

MUTHANNA ABDULLAH, for Bukit Tunku Residents Association, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – February 14, 2008

WE have recently seen a spate of letters and reports in the press protesting the manner in which part of Bukit Sri Persekutuan (Federal Hill), which includes a pretty old police station (Jalan Travers police station), is being spoilt by a developer.

It is a glaring spectacle right opposite the KL Hilton and Meridien hotels which merge seamlessly with the equally significant KL Sentral.

We would like to know whether the datuk bandar and the federal territories minister or their officers and the developer are aware of the full implications of this development and whether the concerns of other larger and more important segments of society have been addressed or consulted.

This appears once again to emphasise the recurrent trend of dismissing public concerns of civil society to voice their views on matters pertaining to development, conservation and the rights of minority groups. Build as you like to maximise your profits as the end justifies the means.

It is hoped that once again this issue, if it is not already a fait accompli,; will be addressed in the larger interest of not only the elegance and beauty of Kuala Lumpur but also the interests of residents.

This should not be sacrificed in the narrower and short-term interests of big companies.

DATUK DR V. THURAISINGHAM, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – February 14, 2008

THE reports coming from the news agencies in Sydney were about how the harpooned whale and her calf were dragged, trailing blood, to a Japanese “hunt and kill” factory ship the Yashin Maru, in waters near Antarctica under the guise of scientific research.

I find totally abhorrent the images, both in the electronic and print media, showing an adult minke whale and a calf thrashing in their death throes after being blasted by harpoons and being dragged on board the Japanese processing ship.

As more and more campaigners around the world are stating that the Japanese are not killing whales for research but for dinner plates, it is necessary, in my view, for an international tribunal to deliberate and determine claims that the Japanese are not killing whales for scientific research.

What disturbs me most is a report that during the Antarctic summer, Japan plans to slaughter almost 1,000 minke and fin whales.

I wish to applaud the Australian government and, in particular Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, for sending a customs vessel to shadow the Japanese whaling fleet and take pictures of the killing of the minke whales.

I am lending my voice of support to the Australian government with the hope that it will be able to gather more evidence against Japan’s annual whaling programme and refer it to an international forum which will seek to bring to an end to this killing of whales under the guise of scientific research.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – February 14, 2008

ON behalf of all local and foreign passengers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, I would like to express my deep disappointment over the way the baggage/luggage handlers at KLIA conduct themselves.

We recently had a visitor over the Chinese New Year holidays.

Everything went perfectly fine as we were able to share with our guest the many sights, sounds, hospitality and food Malaysia has to offer during this time of the year.

Ang pows (red packets) are given out as part of the festivities. It was a thrilling and exciting experience for both our guest and for us.

Our guest packed all the ang pows in the luggage prior to departing Malaysia via KLIA.

Upon our guest’s arrival at home, it was discovered that the luggage had been tampered with and all the ang pows had been stolen.

It was a blow to us as all the hard work and effort that was put in to promote our country came undone through the actions of one or several people working within the KLIA baggage department.

It makes a mockery of KLIA’s award as the “World’s Best Airport 2005-2006″.

I suggest that Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) review their operations at KLIA as I remember reading a similar letter in the New Straits Times regarding the theft of personal items from luggage at KLIA before which shows that this is a problem which MAHB has yet to look into.

T.G., Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – February 14, 2008

I REFER to the comments on pet stores by S.M. Idris of Sahabat Alam Malaysia (”Be firm with pet stores” - NST, Jan 24).

In addition to seeking the co-operation of the Veterinary Services Department, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, along with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks will ensure ongoing co-operation with other agencies, including the local authorities, to address the animal-husbandry issue of pet stores.

In addition, awareness activities will also be carried out among pet store owners as the trading licences are renewed and through the concerned association.

NOR AZEAN HASAN, for Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Putrajaya

Source: NST – February 14, 2008

MALAYSIA Airlines deludes itself if it thinks it can persuade its customers with its latest “five-star value carrier” slogan.

I have already switched over to budget airlines for domestic routes, and wherever possible, I will continue to choose other regional or budget airline carriers which do not deliver the kind of confused brand identity MAS does.

MAS rationalises its business transformation plan using consultants who benchmark it against relative global unknowns like Aer Lingus, Chile’s LAN and Air Canada.

News of “huge acceptance” of its meal boxes would have been laughable if I was not one of its unfortunate passengers who was unprepared for its light morsels of hard cereal bites, cold chicken and cheese sandwiches - and had to silently suffer the lack of alternative choices.

J.L., Puchong, Selangor

Source: NST – February 14, 2008

THE news on the restoration of the Chinese Assembly Hall (”RM1.9m restoration for hall” - NST, Feb 12) caught my attention and I was moved to let readers know how this 85-year-old building came to be in its current location.

In 1922, the Town Planning Department was asked to comment on the location of the Chinese Assembly Hall before it was finally approved by the British Resident.

Charles Reade, the first government town planner of the Federated Malay States, on assessing the site, shifted the position of the building so that Birch Road (now Jalan Maharajalela) would have a smooth traffic flow across the Klang River and thereby avoid unnecessary congestion at the Y-junction had it been built at its original site closer to Petaling Street.

Through his foresight, the Chinese Assembly Hall today is strategically located with a commanding view of Petaling Street and surrounding areas.

Reade had earlier consulted prominent Chinese members, including the late Choo Kia Peng, and had his agreement on the new building site. This is contrary to the popular misconception that the decision made by the Town Planning Department was largely authoritative and made behind closed doors.

Apart from the Chinese Assembly Hall, Reade also re-sited Victoria Institution, realigned a section of the Klang River near Pasar Seni, and planned the first factory site in Kuala Lumpur.

But probably the least known of his contributions to the current generation is the planning of Kuala Kubu Baru town, which was really the first new town in British Malaya (1924) rather than Petaling Jaya (1954).

KAMALRUDDIN SHAMSUDIN, Batu Caves

Source: NST – February 14, 2008

The current practice of announcing the general election at the very last minute should be seriously reconsidered. If surprise is the main motive then it is not a good motive. If strategy is the reason then it is a poor strategy.

Advance planning is the key to success for any event or for any organisation. One of the parameters of a successful election is the voter turnout. How would you get near 100% turnout if the date of election is kept secret from the public?

The public needs to know early as to be able to plan for such an important day. Work-related matters, family day, vacation or even a birthday party are things we normally plan in advance and to cancel these because of the “surprise” election is just counter-productive and does not make sense. I could not imagine telling my staff that the department family day planned six months ago has to be cancelled because the duty to vote “unexpectedly” overrides anything else.

We love our country and would like to be involved in determining the leadership of our homeland. The date for the next general election should be made known the moment the new government is formed. Our voting right should not be sacrificed merely for the sake of a “surprise” and as an “election strategy”.

Anti-ad hoc committee
Bangi

Source: The Sun – February 13, 2008

I refer to Goh Ban Lee’s very timely column “Local plans” in theSun (Local Counsel, Feb 12).

As a concerned Penang citizen I agree entirely with his views. No city in Malaysia needs local plans more than George Town, and yet for over 20 years this fundamental planning requirement has been delayed because of one excuse or another. This omission amounts to nothing less than a failure of the state and local governments, and has had serious consequences: deterioration of the quality of life, unsustainable developments, destruction of valuable heritage enclaves, traffic congestion, loss of property owners’ rights and conflicts, leading to serious social and political problems.

The Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) Campaign Group is extremely concerned and has made a strong appeal to the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) to impose a moratorium of all major developments in Penang until local plans have been gazetted. A post-card and letter writing campaign will be launched soon and we would invite other concerned groups to support us. We would also invite all prospective candidates for the coming election to take a stand on this important issue.

It is rumoured that local plans for Penang are in the works, but the process, which by law should be open and transparent, is shrouded in mystery and opacity. The public has not been consulted, does not know who is responsible or the status of the plans.

At this crucial time the public has to be kept informed, and as a start we would urge the MPPP President or Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan, the State Exco member for local government, to make a comprehensive statement to clarify the situation as soon as possible.

Ahmad Chik
Spokesman
PGCC Campaign Group

Source: The Sun – February 13, 2008