THIS instalment of Ampersand is on my experiences dealing with issues unrelated to my work as a councillor, but which get directed to me anyway. As always, there are no morals behind these stories, save the ones readers chose to interpret for themselves. Bath and taxes The call for maghrib prayers was still resounding when […]
KW Mak
Tales from a Councillor:
Chicken Rice Wars and The Thin Yellow Line
IN this exciting episode of Ampersand, I would like to share some of my experiences as a councillor. There are no morals behind these stories save the ones readers chose to draw for themselves. Chicken rice It was almost 11pm when I finally wrapped up a meeting with a group of residents one night. Having […]
Flawed system behind Teoh’s death
DEATH threats, lawsuits and even face-offs with gangsters are some of the things I deal with in the course of my work as a councillor in the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ). These are occupational hazards that come with the territory. TeohOn 16 July 2009, Teoh Beng Hock, a public servant like I am though […]
Why did MBPJ spend so much?
MBPJ is spending RM1.2 million on this walkway with tactile indicators (pic by KW Mak) IT was recently reported that the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) spent RM1.2 million on a pedestrian walkway in Section 5, Petaling Jaya. There was uproar from residents because of the exorbitant cost involved. In the report, MBPJ Mayor Datuk […]
Inconveniencing the poor
THE Petaling District Office is vacating its premises soon to a location in Paya Jaras, Sungai Buloh. By highlighting this matter, it does not mean that I am against the project. Nor am I suggesting any impropriety. On the contrary, the deal seems to benefit the state government especially since the new property is larger […]
MBPJ keeps mum on Section 19 project
A dark cloud looms over Section 19 in Petaling Jaya (Google Maps) PETALING JAYA, 5 June 2009: The Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) has failed to disclose documents of public interest relating to a development project in Section 19, Petaling Jaya, even after residents’ repeated requests. “First they told us the documents were classified. Now […]
Been arrested yet?
Arrests starting to become badge of honour amongstsome (all pics ©Arte_Ram/sxc.hu) WEARING black, lighting a candle or simply putting up a tent is an offence that can get you arrested these days. The target of these arrests are Pakatan Rakyat (PR) politicians, lawyers, general workers and members of the public who simply want to make […]
A moratorium on development?
BUKIT Gasing assemblyperson Edward Lee has been working on a proposal for the Selangor government to implement a five-year moratorium on development in Petaling Jaya (PJ). The proposal is intended to complement the Selangor government’s plan to allocate RM10 billion to redevelop PJ and Klang. It is also meant to reflect public sentiments on wanting […]
Planning for a city
I HAD the pleasure of attending the World Class Sustainable Cities 2009 seminar recently organised by the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia (Redha), Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) and Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM). The speakers were experts in various fields that ranged from transport to cityscape infrastructure and building development. I would […]
A question of pride
IF there is one thing that is lacking in our government officers, it is pride, which should not to be confused with arrogance. When people have no pride in their work, everything is done in a half-hearted manner. Restoring self-respect to the civil service is important to me because good governance and service can only […]
