Elected reps must act responsibly

Elected reps must act responsibly
The Sun 18 Mar 2005

I REFER to the series of articles in theSun on the blatant destruction of the land surrounding the Bukit Cahaya agriculture park and other areas which had been designated as 'green lungs'.

The only people concerned about such issues are the ordinary people. It is unfortunate that the elected members of the state assembly and Parliament have not said a word, not even in public forums.

We elect representatives to help us solve the very issues that concern our health, environment and well- being. I cannot help but marvel at the Malaysian way of life -- public issues can be brought up with sound and fury, and then left to peter out.

The powers-that-be hold court and the issues remain quiet after the public outcry has died down. Yet the hills are eroded, trees get chopped and the green lungs disappear.

For instance, the so-called botanic hills in Kota Damansara was a lush green lung some five years ago. Those who bought property in Sections 10 and 11 are now shocked to see the hills being cleared for new townhouses and semi-detached houses.

Last year, some people protested at the destruction of the hill. The MP promised to raise it up in Parliament but the residents are still waiting.

A state exco member blatantly replied that the botanic hill is not a green lung and he suggested with pride that if the Kota Damansara residents want to enjoy a truly green lung they should visit Bukit Cahaya!

The Selangor government must accept responsibility for the Bukit Cahaya fiasco. It should also put an end to development in other areas such as Kota Damansara, Bukit Gasing and Bukit Kiara. All approvals for hillside projects must be reviewed.

The state government should submit independent reports to the prime minister or his appointed committee. All hill projects should be approved only by the PM's Department, lest personal interests of individuals at state level take precedence.

It is abuse of power at its subtle worst form. There is money to earn while the hills get raped. The housing needs of the poor are not located at the hills with choice lots meant for bungalows.

It is a blatant excuse of the MB to justify his motive for approving the hill project to satisfy the shortage of 10,000 houses every year in his state.

Low-cost houses are built on flat ground with minimum infrastructure costs. Perhaps the definition of low to medium housing should be made clear to the state exco members.

Concerned Citizen, via e-mail