Post date: Jun 22, 2010 1:1:17 PM
The Star 4th January, 2006
Here are some of their comments:
“Despite numerous complaints over the last few years and the latest report in September of MPPJ going along with the police to remove a funeral parlours' signboards but eventually calling off the operation has irked residents of Section 5 in Petaling Jaya.
“Poor planning, coupled with lack of enforcement, has led to the deterioration in the quality of life in Petaling Jaya.
“There are no standard guidelines for the conversion of residential housing to commercial status. This has resulted in PJ Old Town being congested on weekdays as cars double-park at the roadsides.
“The PJ Old Town market, which is in deplorable condition, has not been upgraded for more than a decade.
“No action has been taken against foreign beggars and foreign traders.’’ - Gasing Indah Residents Association chairman Marylyn Phoo
“Accountability, transparency and professionalism must be the hallmarks that characterise MPPJ as an effective and responsible local government.
“Aspects that need to be addressed include public transport, high crime rate, the display of billboards, maintenance of public amenities and a lack of green lungs.
“What is important, in the final analysis, is not Petaling Jaya’s status, but rather the quality of life that residents will continue to enjoy. – Bukit Gasing DAP chairman John Chung
“I am for the full disclosure of MPPJ’s accounts to residents who may be interested. It should be available for transparency and good governance.
“The yearly Budget meetings with residents’ representatives are a complete farce. We are invited to give comments without first given hard copies to study.
“MPPJ puts it up on the screen and runs through it fairly quickly and it expects us to give constructive intelligent comments?
“In order for MPPJ to move on with city status, I believe the core demand of residents in Petaling Jaya would be this - how efficient is it?’’ – Taman Mayang Jaya residents association chairman Liew Wei Beng
“When you look at the proximity of the announcement of city status and assessment increase, you wonder if there was any link to the declaration.
“As it is, we have our reservations as to whether MPPJ can fulfil the demanding requirements of a city. Transport system, maintenance culture and recreation facilities representative of a well-developed city are absent.
“We are concerned about the increase in assessment which we feel is not justified because MPPJ has not provided the services that are needed. Unless services and facilities are improved, it is only a title.
“We have no objection if it would be beneficial to residents, but if it is just for the increase of salaries for council staff, there are other ways of using the money.’’ – Section 5 Residents Association chairman Edward Lee.
“Licence to operate funeral parlours, car showrooms and building plans for a three-storey office in a residential area has been approved by MPPJ.
“Improper planning will turn Petaling Jaya into a slum with large buildings next to small ones.
“I have 800 complaints filed in my office of illegal use of premises.
“We don’t want a city in name alone, we want more transparency, good governance and accountability to ratepayers.’’ – RTPJ1 joint action committee pro-tem chairman and lawyer Derek Fernandez
“I believe that as a city, Petaling Jaya would have more autonomy and it would spur further growth and allow property values to appreciate.
“But with that comes the increase in cost of living and cost of government amenities.
“These problems can be arrested and resolved if the council take steps to provide the things that the people need like public transportation.’’ – Taman Carey Rukun Tetangga chairman S.Ayamani
“What is useful about the raise in status is that the local authority now has a higher standard to live up to.
“It's alright not to get all A's in Form 3, you still get to go to Form 4 to try for even harder subjects in Form 5.
“As for the community, it should have also matured and must now raise its own standards and capacities.
“It's easy enough to complain, but as city-folk we must develop the capacity and be savvy (even cunning) to effective deal with issues of urban living and the foresight and wisdom to broaden our concerns into the larger area of urban sustainability.
“It's now time to raise the bar.’’ - Lam Kok Liang, Architect, Local Agenda 21 and sustainable development advocate