SALAM Tuan Datuk Bandar of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) YB Mohd Azhan Md Azmir,
Tuan, our residents’ association (RA) is writing to express concern regarding the recent fiasco that unfolded at MBPJ, specifically the hurried passing of the plot ratio 1:10 on KUB/A&W land in Petaling Jaya.
This incident, marked by a “possible bypass of existing process”, has raised serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the decision-making process within our local government.
Local government process a grey area
It is disheartening to learn that 19 out of 24 councillors were compelled to stage a walkout due to the actions taken by the MBPJ mayor.
Such a significant show of dissent among councillors – entrusted with representing the community’s best interests – is a clear indication that something has gone awry in this process, causing a great deal of public concern and eroding trust in our local government's decision-making apparatus.
Anti-graft group Centre to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4 Centre) has spoken on the need for conducting an investigation – with a focus on determining whether there were any ulterior motives, conflicts of interest, or other factors that may have influenced the mayor’s actions.
Given the gravity of the situation, we believe it is imperative that a thorough and impartial investigation be conducted to uncover the underlying motivations behind the mayor’s decision to push through the arrangement for KUB to purchase the said land. Why the hurried deal?
Independent inquiry
Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of a well-functioning government, and it is crucial that the MBPJ demonstrates its commitment to upholding these principles. As such, we request to quickly initiate an independent inquiry, composed of reputable individuals with expertise in urban planning and governance to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the entire decision-making process.
This investigation should aim to identify any procedural irregularities, ethical violations, or abuse of power that may have occurred, and recommend appropriate measures to rectify the situation.
Quick remedy to restore faith
It is fundamentally essential for MBPJ to take immediate steps to restore public confidence in its ability to govern effectively.
This can be achieved by ensuring that future decision-making processes are transparent, inclusive, and subject to rigorous scrutiny.
Engaging with community stakeholders, conducting public consultations, and promoting accountability mechanisms will go a long way in rebuilding trust and restoring the credibility of the MBPJ.
Taxpayers’ and citizens’ rights
As concerned citizens, we are not against development. However, we deserve a local government that acts in the best interests of the community and upholds the principles of fairness and justice.
We trust that you will take swift and decisive action to address this matter and initiate the necessary investigation.
Petaling Jaya residents are counting on the MBPJ to rectify this situation and ensure that such possible “corruptible situations where possible abuses of power” behind hidden doors, do not occur in the future.
We look forward to hearing about the steps that the MBPJ intends to take to address the concerns raised by the recent fiasco. Thank you Tuan Mayor, for your attention to this urgent matter. – The Vibes, June 6, 2023
Michael Kum is secretary of the Seksyen 20 Petaling Jaya Residents’ Association.
The above is an open letter to Petaling Jaya Mayor Mohd Azhan Md Azmir following news reports of a walkout by 19 out of 24 MBPJ councillors from a full-board meeting on May 30. The councillors had reportedly disagreed with the mayor over procedures involved in approving a development project in Lorong Sultan whereby the plot ratio is higher than PJ’s permitted limit.
