Thursday, July 31, 2008

Recycling Day - August 2008

Join us this weekend - August Recycling Day.

When: 3rd August 2008 (Sunday), 10am - 3pm
Where: Gazebo Near 2nd Exit

Monday, July 28, 2008

Who Is Our Councillor?

What are the roles of councillors?
By Salina Khalid / The Star / 25th July 2008


Who is our councillor ah?

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Roles and responsibilities of councillors
  • As part of the local council administrative system, councillors carry these roles and responsibilities.
  • As a committee member who makes decisions on approval for applications like planning, development, and licensing. Yet at the same time their actions should not be contradictory and against the policy decided upon by the local council for the public interest.
  • To advice the local government on matters relevant to their expertise and profession
  • To represent the people and the local community in matters pertaining to their living condition at the respective local council.
  • As a mediator between the community and the local council and to serve as the patron for their residents association.
  • To relay the feedback and response given by the local community on the quality of service given by the local council.
  • To be policy and decision makers. To draw a set of local by-laws as a guide for administrative purposes in solving the local issues and on how to give best service to the people.
  • To draw the policy to determine the direction of the local council and the direction has to augur well with the state and central government’s policies and at the same time meet what the people want.
  • As spokesman for the local council to ensure that policies drawn at the local authority are accepted by the local community.
  • To get a response from the community if there is any abuse of misuse of power or funds by the local council.
  • To encourage public participation on activities and programs organised by the local council.

Appointment of the councillors, The Local Government Act 1976

  • Section 10 (1) - the local authority shall consist of the mayor or president and not less than eight not more than 24 other councillors to be appointed by the state authority.
    residing in the respective local council
  • Have wide experience and knowledge in local government affairs
  • Achieved distinction in any profession, commerceor industry
  • Able to represent the interest of the community they are serving

What Are The Roles of Councillors?

What are the roles of councillors?
By Salina Khalid, 25th July 2008, The Star

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The 288 new councillors for the two city councils and 10 municipal or district councils in Selangor have been assigned zones within their respective councils.

Much has been discussed and debated about the selection and appointment of these councillors since the Pakatan Rakyat state government invited nominations from the community for the councillor posts following the March 8 general election.

Much has also been said about certain characters with doubtful backgrounds and underworld connections who were selected as councillors.

One nominee was alleged to have used his appointment letter to throw his weight around to prevent enforcement officers from doing their duty.

One thing, however, has not been thoroughly discussed and articulated in public, and that is the roles and functions of a councillor.

What roles and responsibilities do the local councillors have?

Under the public administration scheme, the local council is the third tier of government after the federal government and state government.

A recent street poll revealed that most people are not clear and certain about what the functions of their local councillors are.

Many people do not know whether the council appointees are there to represent them or simply given the post as political rewards or to guard the interests of their political parties.

Petaling Jaya resident Hamzah Mohamad thinks that councillors are the eyes and ears of the local council and are those whom people go to when dealing with matters concerning the local authority.

“They are like an agent of the local council to me. Yet I do not know exactly what their role is,” he said.

Hamzah, who has been a resident in Petaling Jaya for about 10 years, said he had met several councillors for various reasons, including for assistance in local council matters like parking problems in his residential area.

He knows that the councillors meet every month at a full board meeting to discuss and decide on matters concerning the community.

Other than that, he doesn’t know what else do the councillors do.

Hamzah is not alone. Most people are also in the dark like him.

According to a former councillor, councillors should serve as the eyes and ears of the council so that they can serve the people and at the same time advice the council on what is going-on on the ground.

“They should listen to the needs of local people and take their views into account when making decisions,” he said.

A source in the Federal Local Government and Housing Ministry describes councillors as community leaders who work in partnership with the respective local authority.

According to Federal Local Housing Department director-general Datin Arpah Abdul Razak, an appointed councillor has to be reside in the area of the council’s jurisdiction he is serving and have a wide experience and expertise in the local government matters. She said this in a recent talk.

Section 10(2) of the Local Government Act 1976 states that “councillors of the local authority shall be appointed from among persons the majority of whom shall be persons ordinarily residents in the local authority area who in the opinion of the state authority have wide experience in local government affairs or who have achieved distinction in any profession, commerce or industry, or are otherwise capable of representing the interests of their communities in the local authority area”.

Although it is the duty of a councillor to represent the whole community, he also has a duty to serve the local government as a member of its administration.

A councillor must know what is going on in his area, and to help solve any problems or answer the queries that the community may have.

The councillor’s job involves helping to solve the people’s problems, such as garbage collection, clogged drains, floods, as well the general welfare of the people.

The councillors are among the decision-makers of policies and practices of the council.
They are responsible for helping the people understand the policies and projects of their local councils.

Councillors, hence, are important because they are supposed to be the voice of the community and play a vital role in the functioning of democracy.

They are the community representatives and champion the local issues to enhance the quality of life and development in the area that they serve.

Meanwhile, the newly-appointed local councillors in Selangor comprises party workers, professionals, NGOs, the disabled and women.

Previously more than one councillor was assigned to a zone, but now each has been assigned a zone.

Each will be assigned an office and staff to assist him in his work to serve the community.
Under the Pakatan Rakyat state government, the state assemblymen are not appointed as councillors, unlike the previous Barisan Nasional state government.

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim in his speech during last month’s mass swearing-in of the councillors reminded them that they were to serve the people.

He said the process of awarding contracts through direct negotiations had been abolished in Selangor and there would be no exception at the local council level.

“These councillors must strive to improve the quality of the delivery system and find ways to increase revenue and ensure that every ringgit is wisely spent,” Khalid said.

He said the councillors were expected to practice good governance at all times and ensure that decisions made at the sub-committee and full board meetings were favourable to the people.
“They must be impartial and should not allow any parties to exploit their positions to serve unscrupulous interests,” he said.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Serious Security Breach on Broad Daylight (98K)

There is another serious security breach this afternoon (July 23rd, Wed). Today there is an incident in 98K whereby a motorist went in the resident's house and ask for money. At that moment, only his mother and daughter are at home. The motorist did not get what he wanted and took away the shoes. During the incident, security was contacted but the response was not fast enough ... The security guards did not manage to catch the thief/thug.

Please keep an eye and be more alert. The committees will be talking this matter to the security firm and HGD Property Services. They have to improve drastically!!!!

Here is the email sent by the resident/victim, Law (98K).

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This afternoon an intruder came into my house while I was away at work. This man came with motorbike with helmet in 'sarong'. At that time my front gate was close but was not locked as my daughter just got home from school, which is normal thing for us as this is supposed to be a safe gated community. The man came inside my garage and sat in front of my door. My mother was shocked by his sudden presence. Then he asked my mother for money, claiming that he was sent by some temple. My mum refused. Sensing trouble, she made an excuse that she has to call me to ask for money while my daughter called me at work. I told my family to keep the grill door locked while I called the security guard house for help. Leaving nothing to chance, I rushed back home.

Meanwhile I was continuously on the phone with my family. Realisng that he wouldnt get anything out of my mum, he decided to leave but not before stealing my shoes right in front of my family. I told my family not to do anything but stay indoor and let the security handle the man. Upon arriving, I was told by the security guard named Akir that the man has managed to escape and our CG security could not catch him.

While it was not fair to lash out at the security (which I didnt) as I was not there to witness the incident as to the actual event, I cant help but feel upset and deeply worried that such an incident can happen in our gated community. I cant begin to imagine what would happen if the man managed to get into my house if the timing of his intrusion was just as when my daughter was getting into my house from school. It is not a nice feeling to even think about it.

I did the the next best thing i.e call the immediate superior (Badrul 013-278 1447) of our security. He tried to give his explanation as to how they did their best in this case but I was not amused netiher was I convinced. According to him:

-It is their duties to record all visitors whether in cars, motorbikes or walking in.
-It is quite common that motorbikes and pedestrians get into CG via the narrow gap between the guard pole and retention wall
-In my case, apparently the security saw the 'inruder' entering but somehow lost him, not knowing which direction he went
-Currently there is no provision for security to call house owners to confirm expecting visitors

As I see there is serious lax in SOP for our security. May I humbly suggest that:

-A standard procedure to be imposed for security guard house to call owner to confirm expecting visitors >> this way we are certain that no unwanted visitors can come into our community.

-For the above to be effective and for the sake of safety of community all residents must cooperate with security and accept the little inconvenince of having to receive call from security whenever we expect visitors

I feel it is worthwhile having that inconvenience (if it is considered as one) if that itself can give us so much sense of security and comfort for our families.

I humbly hope my thought and suggestion is given due consideration.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Vote for G Force of SMK Kota Kemuning

Login to Disney Channel Asia to vote for our very own Kota Kemuning Stars. You need to do some registration and with a few clicks here and there, you should be able to vote. I must say that their dance moves are good.

Anyway, go lah and vote for them. Sokonglah Kota Kemuning!!!

Our group, G Force of SMK Kota Kemuning, has just been shortlisted as one of the 8 finalist (only 4 teams qualify) from Malaysia to participate in the Disney Channel Asia, High School Musical competition to be held in Disneyland Hong Kong in Aug 2008.

Vote for us and we will proof to you that MALAYSIA BOLEH !!!

Your vote is important.... please vote

Team : G Force
School : SMK Kota Kemuning
Country : Malaysia
Closing date : 21st July 2008

Please click here to cast your vote, Thank you and regards. Please forward to all your friends and relatives SO THAT THEY CAN VOTE TOOO...

The Team,
Mary, Michelle, Casandra, Carmen & Cally

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Residents of USJ 11/3 Want Gated Community

Security and safety - the key important criteria for everyone considering buying new homes or moving into existing townships. Canal Gardens being a gated and guarded community has been much safer and more secured compared to other areas. Minor shoe thefts. One or two tresspassing. Nothing major incidents reported. Having said that, we want all the residents to continue to be vigilant and keep an eye and ear on your surrounding. Please play your part to keep this taman safe and sound for all of us.

We are also looking for volunteers to reach out and join us in our community events like Recycling Day, Sports Day and yeah - we need more helping hands - Interested - Come and join us as the Road Rep.

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Residents of USJ 11/3 Want Gated Community
The Star, 12th July 2008 By Oh Ing Yeen


Residents of USJ 11/3 in Subang Jaya want their housing area gated because of the increasing crime rate in the area.

The residents agreed on the proposal following a one-day community gathering to discuss “Let's fight crime together” in their area.

According to residents association pro tem chairman Ng Peng Hin, a 48-year-old business manager, the gated community proposal has received good support as it is an effective way to contain and deter crime.

However, USJ 8 police station officer-in-charge Foo Teik Fong pointed out that there were too many gates and access roads in USJ 11, thus proper planning and implementation were needed for a gated community.

“There should be a 100% agreement among the residents as problems may arise later when it comes to the collection of fees to pay for the gated community security,” Foo said when addressing the residents during the gathering at the USJ 11/3 playground.

“Even if 70% of the residents agree, it will still pose a problem between those who pay and those who refuse to,” he said.

Foo said a better method was for neighbouring residents to look out for each other.

According to the statistics, 20 crime cases happened in USJ 11/3 in the first half of this year, about three cases a month. They comprised eight car thefts, four snatch thefts and eight break-ins.

Foo said the targeted houses were those without lights at night.

Cars parked in dark places, far away from the houses, are also easy targets.

“Most of the break-ins occur between noon and 6pm when people are out working, leaving the house empty,” Foo said.

He advised the residents to call the police if they saw suspicious characters or cars in their neighbourhood.

Foo cited an example: “Two days ago someone called the police to report about robbers entering their neighbour's house. We arrived within five minutes and arrested two suspects.”

A housewife, who only wished to be identified as Aida, is a neighbour of the resident whose house was almost broken-in.

Aida said although the police came quickly and managed to catch the suspects, she was still concerned for the security in the neighbourhood.

“I agree with the plan for a gated community, I hope we can get a 100% support,” she said.
Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh, who was present at the gathering, said the laws on gated and guarded community had to be reviewed.

“I've raised this issue in the state assembly, saying that we need a definite law on the gated and guarded community,” she said.

“The Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) is reluctant to approve the gated community concept as only the police are authorised to put up barricades. Thus, a 100% agreement among the residents is needed,” Yeoh said.

“Some residents do not agree as they are not willing to pay. It's not fair when those who do not want to pay are also enjoying the services. And when those who are paying hear of that, they may end up not paying as well,” she said.

A homemaker, who only wanted to be known as Lynn Tan, said the police had to be more effective in preventing crime.

“My neighbour's husband was robbed and killed,” she said. “We're getting to the point of paranoia.”

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Our MP Wary After Handbag Snatched While Driving to Selayang

From The Star, 10th July 2008, our MP also kena samun as she stops her car at traffic light. So please be extra careful when you drive alone - at night - especially ladies drivers.

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MP wary after handbag snatched while driving to Selayang

As Parliament’s hours extend late into the night to finish government business, Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (PAS - Kota Raja) finds herself getting more apprehensive.

Not that she finds it difficult to cope with the work but after being a victim of a snatch theft, she has understandably become more wary.

This is the third time Dr Siti Mariah, 50, has been a victim of a crime.

The latest incident happened on Monday night when she was on her way to visit her mother at Selayang Hospital.

“There were so many things on my mind so I was not as alert. I had stopped my car at a traffic light near Taman Ehsan in Kepong when suddenly I heard a loud bang.

“I felt pain in my hands and saw two men on a motorcycle zooming away with my handbag, which I had left on the passenger seat beside me,” she recounted.

She lost her credit and bank cards, and hand phone. What she rued most was the loss of her newly acquired Parliament card and her precious “pencil box.”

“Luckily, the MP’s insignia was still on my car, so I could drive freely into Parliament.

“Also, I didn’t have my second purse that contained a sizeable sum of money from my son in my handbag,” she said.

Dr Siti Mariah, who drives a Toyota Vios, was a victim of crime on two previous occasions when her car was broken into.

“Somebody broke into my car when I was at a pasar malam and took some jewellery from the boot. About a year ago, somebody opened my car boot and took two laptops,” she said.

Meanwhile, Gombak OCPD Asst Comm Abdul Rahim Abdullah said police had identified several groups, including the one that attacked Dr Siti.

ACP Abdul Rahim said no arrests had been made and appealed to the public for information They can contact the police via the Rakan Cop hotline at 03-21159999 or the nearest police station.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

CGRC Monthly Meeting - July 2008

We had our monthly meeting yesterday, 4th July (Friday). Some of the highlights are: 
  • Received a confirmation letter from MBSA instructing our developer to start work on the canal (constructing flood gate etc.) to resolve the longkang issue latest by 25th July 2008.
  • Received a couple of replies from HGDPS and our security provider on a few matters / issues brought up by our committees.
Will share more in the coming few days on the details.