BUKIT LANJAN: Bukit Lanjan deserves more from their assemblyman

Leachate generation is a major problem for municipal solid waste (MSW) management everywhere in Bukit Lanjan

BUKIT LANJAN: Bukit Lanjan deserves more from their assemblyman

Elected representatives (both assemblymen and MPs) and aspiring politicians who seek to be elected to office cannot be expected to perform miracles or deliver the impossible.

But they can be expected to at least be honest, sincere and dedicated to the people who elected them.

“You cannot expect them to deliver the impossible tasks due to limited financial resources.” Gerakan Deputy Speaker Syed Abdul Razak Alsagoff said.

“However, they can use their positions and office to speak up sincerely and loudly to agitate for positive action from the governments (state and federal).

“In short, they must act like activists to serve the interest of the rakyat (people) and their constituencies,” he added.

Syed Razak said the problem with many Malaysian politicians was that “they even fear speaking out against their ‘masters’ after being elected”.

“And, this includes those in Pakatan Harapan (PH). Look at the political woes of DAP and PKR backbenchers in Penang who spoke up against weak and poor policies and administrations as testimony to Malaysian politics.

“It is all about toeing party and government lines. Those who dare to speak up to try to right a wrong are always at risk on the political chopping block,” he added.

Dumpsters that cannot fit into building structures for collection by garbage trucks is a common sight in Bukit Lanjan … why then are developers not penalised or ordered to do the necessary rectifications?

Syed Razak, who is Gerakan’s nominee to contest N.37 Bukit Lanjan in the coming 14th General Election (GE14), said the “political masters” must change with the times and accept constructive criticisms from politicians.

“To speak up for the people is the very least that they can do for his or her electorates. If they cannot even do that, what then will they be good for?” he asked.

Syed Razak said many were quick to remark that one politician could do nothing for the people.

“That’s not entirely true if he or she tries hard enough. And if the majority of elected representatives are honest and sincere, the activists will be a force to reckon with for governments to respond positively.

“Honest, sincere and dedicated politicians will make honest, sincere and dedicated decisions. In the first place, they must have the courage to speak up for the people, instead of providing blind loyalty and support to their masters.

“Only by speaking up can the people drive governments to implement progressive and effective soco-economic policies,” he added.

In this respect, Syed Razak said, the current Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong had not been doing enough for the electorates in N.37 since 2008.

She is also a state executive councillor but has not worked hard enough to maximise her position for the benefit of her constituents after nearly two terms.

“She has governmental positions and finances but what has she really done for her electorates?” he asked.

“Bukit Lanjan needs large scale community gotong royong with local government support to clean up Damansara Damai, Damansara Perdana, Desa Jaya, Sri Damansara Industrial etc.

“Has she organised enough of such efforts to help clean up the said areas?

“Bukit Lanjan needs more pot luck gatherings during festivals to celebrate and foster racial harmony and unity. Cleaning up work sites and home environment to combat dengue and zika tops in Selangor.

“Ensuring sufficient rubbish bins are supplied at fair prices to owners of premises and restaurants! Ensuring fumigation units for all drains to eradicate rodents to stop the spread of leptospirosis.

“Local municipalities must also act against stray dogs to combat rabies with help from the SPCA etc. Enforcement by health authorities to ensure clean and safe restaurants and eateries must be stepped up.

“There must also be more effort to forge closer ties with the police at all levels to ensure sufficient police and security patrols to help prevent or dissuade break-ins or crime in general,” he added.

Syed Razak said: “As a taxpayer and ratepayer, I expect efficient municipal services of the highest possible quality. I am also committed to deliver the same as a politician.”

N.37 LET BUKIT LANJAN SOAR WITH SYED ABDUL RAZAK ALSAGOFF