M.C.A TO BE BLAMED FOR THE DEATH AND DEGRADATION OF JALAN WONG AH FOOK.

Death and degradation of Jalan Wong Ah Fook is imminent. I blame M.C.A. It is M.C.A which must stand accused for dericlition of responsibility and allow the passing of Jalan Wong Ah Fook into the sunset of Johor’s history.

Since the opening of the new Sultan Iskandar Custom, Immigration and Qurantine complex a fortnight ago, traffic has bypassed Jalan Wong Ah Fook, the once main thoroughfare of Johor Bahru. The once triving shops are now experiencing almost 40% drop in busineses. Economic and business activities in Jalan Wong Ah Fook has gone on a slide. What we see now are shops which front Jalan Wong Ah Fook selling imitation goods and pirate DVD’s. Many of the old businesses have moved out from Jalan Wong Ah Fook. Also gone are the evening rush hour and the scene of Malaysians working in Singapore returning in the evening and patronising the food stalls at the back alley of Jalan Wong Ah Fook.

Jalan Wong Ah Fook is simply not any ordinary road. The road reflects the historical relationship of the Chinese and Johor. The name has history and heritage and rightfully should be a proud reminder to all Johoreans of the man himself, Wong Fook Kee or better known as Wong Ah Fook. Sadly, ask who Wong Ah Fook is, many and particular the non Chinese would not know who Wong Ah Fook is or even how the road become named after him.

Wong Ah Fook, is the typical rags to riches immigrant from China, who should be an inspiration to all of us. Starting as a carpenter, he then moved into construction business and rose to become the chief government contractor and built many of the heritage buildings doting johor Bahru including Istana Besar. Not contended being a contractor, he even ventured into pepper and gambier planting and even had kangchu rights in Mersing. Later on he was involved in revenue farming. He is also remembered as the person also started Kwong Yik Bank, one of the earlist Chinese bank in then Malaya. For his sterling service in assisting the state to regain control of its revenues, Sultan Abu Bakar granted Wong Ah Fook a grant of land. The land was located on the east bank of Sg. Segget river and became known as Kg Wong Ah Fook village and was predomnantly occupied by the Cantonese clan. Three small roads in Kg. Wong Ah Fook village was named after his sons Siu Nam, Siu Koon and Siu Chin. From then on, Kg Wong Ah Fook village grew to became Jalan Wong Ah Fook, an important artererial road and the gateway to Johor Bahru.

Warning bells that Jalan Wong Ah Fook and more impotantly the name in time could lose its soul started in 1997. In 1997, a master plan for the redevelopment of Central Business District of Johor Bahru was unveiled by the Johor state government.The master plan envisaged restructuring of the city to a high technology financial centre.

However, what alarmed many Chinese and Chinese organisation was that the plan to replace Jalan Wong Ah Fook with gardens, pedestrian walkway and call it Sultan Abu Bakar City Walkway. The Chinese community and Chinese organisations made their disapproval known against attempts to obliterate the name. Both did not take place. The 1997 economicx crisis provided a respite. The restructuring of the city as a high technology financial centre did not take place and the name Jalan Wong Ah Fook thankfully remained safe and prominent. Of course, the stinking Sg Segget river which runs across the city centre was covered over and has become a walk way.

The state’s attempt in 1997 to make the name Jalan Wong Ah Fook insignificant ought to have made M.C.A sit up and ensure that the name and the area would never fade away or lose its lustre. M.C.A ought to have ensured that whatever development is planned elsewhere, it must not result in the death of Jalan Wong Ah Fook. M.C.A ought to have taken all necessary steps and been more pro-active in ensuring that the name Jalan Wong Ah Fook and the area would remains a prominent and premier business area. Also M.C.A could have also done much more to remember this great man. For example asking the Johor Bahru City Council to erect a statue, historical plaque or build a little square in the city as one often see in other cities. All this could have been initiated by M.C.A, as a reminder to the people of Johor of Wong Ah Fook’s contribution. It is obvious that the M.C.A State Executive Councillors or M.C.A during the regular “lawatan sambil belajar” overseas had not learned how cities and towns abroard remember and commemerate local personalities. Obviously, nothing was done.

M.C.A is well represented in the Johor State Executive Council and Johor Bahru City Council. They more than others would have known first about the C.I.Q plans. M.C.A more than others would have been first to know could have realised the fate of Jalan wong Ah Fook after the erection of the C.I.Q complex. M.C.A more than others would have been the first to know that with the erection of the C.I.Q complex, traffic and people would by-pass Jalan Wong Ah Fook. M.C.A more than others would have known the consequences arising from the C.I.Q complex to the busineses in Jalan Wong Ah Fook. So, the question then to be asked is what exactly did M.C.A do to ensure that the Jalan Wong Ah Fook continue to be a place of business activities and would not be devoid of human traffic. What were M.C.A plans, if they ever had one, to regenerate and vigorate the area with the opening of the C.I.Q. M.C.A in the state ought to have raised, presented with new plans for the area and ensured that Jalan Wong Ah Fook would not slide and become a backwater.

Judging from the present situation it is obvious that the degradation, slide and gradual obliteration and fading into history of this great street and name has started. Gradually this prominent landmark with historical significance will become a footnote in the history of Johor Bahru. That is real sad. It becomes real sad when M.C.A who calls themselves the guardians of Chinese, let Jalan Wong Ah Fook pass into history.

Norman Fernandez is the Vice Chairman of DAP Johor and is a lawyer with his own practice in the vicinity of Jalan Wong Ah Fook.

ISKANDAR. TIME TO REVEAL THE STATE OF AFFAIRS

The Star Metro December 12, carried a very good commentary by Nelson Benjamin, the STAR Johor Bureau chief on Iskandar Development Region.

Apparently in the Johor State Assembly which is in session, a dozen assemblymen had raised verbal and written questions regarding Iskandar and Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman spent a long time answering the questions including giving a two page written reply on the progress of the project, total investments garnered and other economic data.

It is a shame that the mainstream papers missed an oportunity to inform the public what the Mentri Besar had said about Iskandar and also report on Iskandar’s progress till todate. It will be good if the mainstream newspapers can soon give an extensive report on Iskandar’s progress.

Nevertheless, what caught my attention was what Kempas Assemblyman Datuk Osman Sapian said in the Assembly, that while it was nice to hear that the Iskandarhad attracted RM40.25 billion since 2006, people wanted to see all this translated into development project. There must according to the Assemblyman a hive of activities in Iskandar but what he saw were signs about road projects with nothing else moving.

That is precisely what Johoreans are asking. What is exactly happening with Iskandar. At regular intervals we watch on TV or read about an agreement signing ceremony involving the launch of yet another mega project in Iskandar. Peruse the details and the agreement turns out to be nothing but a Memorandum of Understanding. We also read in the papers about Middle Eastern fund and money gushing into Iskandar. Why have these investors after ploughing in billions of Ringgit yet to commence their development projects. Did these Middle Eastern investors actually bring in real money or they merely made investment pledges.

The Mentri Besar gushing with pride says that since 2006 Iskandar has managed to attract some RM40.25 billion. That is helluva lot of money. Having collected such a huge loot, one would expect Iskandar to be a hive of activities. But that is not what is happening. Some road works and infrastructure works are going on.

Now compare Iskandar with Singapore government initiated Intergrated Resort which was launched almost at the same time. Go and visit the Marina Bay Area. The whole place is buzzing with a hive of activities. The tower cranes are on overdrive and work is going on round the clock. In fact some segments of the Intergrated Resort are almost on schedule for opening by next year end. Meanwhile, at Iskandar, what is taking place are memorandum of undestanding signing ceremonies, site tours by interested parties and more “commitment” of monies into Iskandar. Isn’t RM40.25 Billion already committed (assuming the money is already in hand) as claimed by the Mentri Besar still not sufficient to start a construction and development boom in Iskandar?

On Saturday, yet another signing ceremony took place. This time a RM750 million Legoland theme park. It is reported that this theme park which is set to join two other parks are schedule for completion by 2013. Frankly, Johoreans do not wish to know when the project will be completed but is interested to know when the project is actually going to start. Let us know, how many of the mega projects after the signing of the Memorandum of Understandings have started.

It is time the Mentri Besar give a full account to the people of Johor:-

i. A detailed progress report on the development in Iskandar.

ii. How much of the money by investors are merely investment pledges and how much actual money have been collected from foreign investors.

iii. How much money of its own has the state government and federal government ploughed into Iskandar.

iv. How many Memorandum of Undertanding have been signed and from these how many have materialised into actual projects.

v. Name the projects by foreign investors which are taking place and so far how many of these projects have been completed.


After some three years since the launch of the Iskandar, save for some infrastructure works in the Iskandar and the construction of the new administratice centre at Nusajaya, Johoreans have yet to see any tangible results of from Iskanadar. In fact, for small and medium businesses despite the billions of Ringgit Iskandar has claimed to have attracted, it has so far not translated into real business opportunities for them nor have they reaped any benefit so far.

Johoreans want to know the actual truth and its high time Mentri Besar revealed the real state of affairs and progress this far of Iskandar.

NORMAN FERNANDEZ TO BUILT CASTLE IN THE SKY IN ISKANDAR DEVELOPMENT REGION

Norman Fernandez Inc and its partner Konsortium Mahligai (KOMA) today announced its intention to build a multi million Ringgit project, Castle In The Sky. Norman Fernandez Inc. CEO said at a news briefing today, that they too wish to join the bandwagon like many others before them who had inked Memorandums of Understandings to launch various meglomania projects in Iskandar Development Region (IDR).

“We and our partner KOMA who we will have to first revive it from its present state hope to sign a Memorandum Of Understanding with the relevant authorities soon.” “If others can sign Memorandum of Understandings so can we” said Norman Fernandez Inc spokesperson.

While refusing to divulge more on the Castle In The Sky project, Norman Fernandez Inc’s spokesman said that the idea to build a castle in the sky came when Norman Fernandez Inc’s CEO was playing the diggridoo in an Australian aboriginal camp site, chewed some gum leaves and looked up the night sky. Voila ! rest was history. Norman Fernandez Inc spokesperson nevertheless showed the press corp a mock-up of the Castle In The Sky made from Lego bricks which he had earlier in the morning borrowed from his daughter. “When the Castle In The Sky project is fully completed, people will look up the sky and if they can spot our castle, they can gawk in awe at the castle in the air and hopefully they too can then dream of building their own castles in the sky.” “ Our message is that we all can build castles in the air”.” In any event the sky is the only place left for us to build our dream homes”. Almost every Bukits have all been taken over by developers” “Hopefully all those who see our castle won’t build their castles in IDR. Can’t afford a Bukit Antarabangsa type incident.” Really, our castle is going to be a sight to behold in the sky, at least until the haze from Indonesia temporarily envelops it” said Norman Fernandez Inc. spokesperson.

The ambitious project in keeping with the stature of all other prestigious projects in IDR is expected to cost millions, and despite the present credit crunch, Norman Fernandez Inc spokesperson said that the company do not anticipate any financial problems since the company has already stockpilled wads of Zimbabweans million and billion dollar notes at an old white owned catttle farm near Bulawayo. “Our main problem is shipping the money in the crates here safely without our ship being seized by the Somalian pirates”.

THE ELEGANT SILENCE OF M.I.C

That Tajuddin Abdul Rahman ( BN- Pasir Salak) is an uncouth, crass and gutter politician is confirmed beyond a shadow of doubt. In fact, he is not the first Barisan Nasional -read UMNO poltician with a penchant for vulgarities and crude behaviour. Many other UMNO politicians before him has in the august house made similar remarks against Indians. Surf the net and you can read the miscreants profanities and racist remarks.

In all these instances whenever, an UMNO M.P suffering a sudden attack of contrivities (shit rushing into the brain) spews out profanities and makes derogotary and racist remarks against Indians, have you ever heard of any M.I.C, M.P standing up to chide the M.P and calling him to withdraw and apologise.

Readers opinions welcomed !

Boy dies after being run over by tramcar in Danga Bay

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 28 (Bernama) - A 10-year-old boy was killed when he was run over by a tramcar in Danga Bay this evening.

Earlier, R. Karnaraj was about to board the tramcar when he lost his balance and fell in the incident about 4pm. He sustained head injuries and was sent to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital where he died upon arrival.

Johor Baru (south) police deputy chief Supt Zainal Baharom said the deceased's father was a police corporal at the district police headquarters. He said Karnaraj, his two siblings and two cousins were at the tramcar services operated by Star Tram Sdn Bhd (STSB) when the incident occured. A police report has been lodged.

Karnaraj's mother, M. Sheila, 29, was a picture of gloom as she recalled the deceased dressed in his new Deepavali clothes when he was run over by the tramcar. Expressing condolences to Karnaraj's family over his accidental death, STSB general manager Roy Yim said an investigation would be carried out to determine the cause of the accident.

"We regret the unfortunate incident and will try to assist the grieving family in whatever way we can," he said, adding that STSB would suspend the tramcar services with immediate effect, pending investigations.

This is believed to be the first time that a death had occured since the tramcar services was introduced in 2002.

Source

LONGKANG TIDAK TERTUTUP MENANTI MANGSA.

Inilah gambar dimana keadaan longkang dikedai kain Jakel Trading di Jalan Titiwangsa, Taman Tampoi Indah, Johor Bahru, Johor.

Keadaan ini yang telah berlarutan semenjak beberapa bulan telah dibawa kepada perhatian MBJB melalui satu blog-post dalam blog saya. Juga saya telah memaklumkan secara rasmi melalui surat kepada MBJB.

Sedihnya, walaupun saya telah membawa kepada perhatian pihak MBJB tentang kehadiran longkang tidak tertutup, sehingga hari ini MBJB gagal mengambil apa-apa tindakan.

Kedai Jakel Trading ini pada kebiasaannya dibanjiri pembeli pada setiap hari minggu. Ramai pengunjung ke kedai tersebut membawa anak-anak mereka bersama. Kanak-kanak berlarian dan bermain-main ketika ibubapa membeli-belah di Jakel Trading menjadi perkara biasa.

Agak menghairankan bagaimanakah MBJB masih enggan mengambil apa-apa tindakan biarpun telah dimaklumkan.

Beberapa minggu yang lalu, MBJB telah membayar RM80,000-00 kepada sebuah keluarga dimana seorang perempuan berumur 63 tahun yang mati apabila jatuh dalam longkang yang tidak tertutup. Mungkin MBJB masih belum serik lagi dan teringin untuk membayar pampasan kepada mangsa yang seterusnya yang mati atau cedera jatuh dalam longkang tidak tertutup yang dirujuk disini.

MBJB TO USE NYLON GRILLES TO REPLACE IRON MANHOLE COVERS.

At a recent MBJB function which I attended as Y.B Dr Boo Cheng Hau’s representative, I chanced meeting with Tuan Zainuddin Abd Samad, who is the MBJB engineering department assistant director.

He informed me that MBJB just like their counterparts in Kuala Lumpur is replacing all iron manhole covers with the new nylon grilles made from a new composite material. He told me one such grill has been installed at the pedestrian walk at Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar. I had a look at the new cover and I must say it does look good. Perhaps it may be the answer but lets give it another couple of months and assess it.

Keratan dari suratkhabar Harian Metro bertarikh 31.07.2008.

Keratan dari suratkhabar Kosmo! bertarikh 31.07.2008

DANGER LORKS IN SHOPPING MALL.



Picture 1 – Lift and the enclosed wall.



Picture 2 – the enclosed wall. Note the door. Once the door is slam shut, the victim becomes trapped and is at the mercy of the criminal.

This is the picture of Landmark I.T Mall at Jalan Ngee Heng, Johor Bahru, Johor.

Previously, when one exits the lift (as can be seen in picture 1), they have a clear view of the car park.

However, recently Landmark I.T Mall had constructed a wall enclosing the lift area and thereby obstructing the view.

The wall now poses a danger since, the person exiting the lift towards the car park cannot see if there is anyone lurking behind.

(See picture 2). Even worst, with a enclosed wall and door, the person lurking can easily slam the door shut when he sees someone exiting the lift. Once the door is slam shut, anything from mugging to rape can occur.

I voiced the public’s concern the management and security department of Landmark I.T Mall, and they say that the wall was constructed on the instruction of Pejabat Bomba.

I hope the management of Landmark I.T Mall will seriously consider removing the wall. The Johor Bahru public can do without a Canny Ong type of incident.

Norman Fernandez
Vice Chairman DAP Johor.

‘PORT’ SANTAI WARGA ASING

Pentas di Gerai Kotaraya 2, di Jalan Gereja dijadikan ‘port’ santai warga asing. Gambar di atas menunjukkan warga asing sedang tidur bersama dengan beg pakaian mereka. Tidak dapat disahkan sekiranya warga asing ini adalah pendatang tanpa izin.

Diharapkan pihak berkuasa memantau dan membuat rondaan disana.

MAN SERVING PRISON SENTENCE MADE GUARANTOR FOR LOAN BY BANK.

Soalan dari Y.B Dr. Boo Cheng Hau

Ahli Dewan Negeri Kawasan Skudai

Di Dewan Undangan Negeri Johor Bagi Penggal Persidangan Pertama Yang Ke-12

Perpustakaan Hipermedia dan peningkatan kadar membaca.

Soalan.

Apakah sebabnya Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Negeri Johor untuk memperbaiki kebocoran bumbung Perpustakaan Awam Negeri Johor di Jalan Yahya Awal tidak dibuka seawal mungkin?

Jawapan.

Kelewatan pembukaan bangunan baru Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Johor seperti yang dimaklumi (telah disiarkan di akhbar) adalah disebabkan masalah kebocoran. Walau bagaimanapun, sebahagian besar masalah tersebut telah dapat diatasi dan kerja-kerja persiapan pemprosesan buku yang tergendala akibat kebocoran serta kerja-kerja yang melibatkan susun atur semula perabot sudah diperingkat akhir. Perpustakaan akan dibuka kepada orang awam pada penghujung bulan Julai 2008.

MBJB AKAN MEMBAYAR PAMPASAN RM80,000-00.

Dari Keratan Kosmo - 17.07.2008

City offers damages to manhole victim’s kin

The Star

JOHOR BARU: The Johor Baru City Council will pay RM80,000 in compensation to the family of a woman who died after falling into an uncovered manhole during a Chingay parade early this year.

Johor Baru mayor Datuk Naim Nasir said: “The council accepts responsibility for the accident and will visit the family soon to pay the compensation.”

Koh Siang Lee, 63, fell into a drain through an uncovered manhole near the Bukit Saujana flats here. She sustained head injuries and was rushed to hospital where she died nine days later.
Her family later issued a letter to the council demanding RM100,000 in compensation.
Naim said that the tragedy had occurred because thieves had stolen the metal gratings covering the manhole.

He said that he hoped such tragedies would not be repeated once all metal gratings are replaced with concrete covers to deter thieves. “It may cost a little more initially, but it will be cheaper in the long run as it will be worthless to scrap metal thieves,” he said.

Naim said the concrete replacements would be done in phases, starting with covering areas where grills and gratings had been stolen. He anticipated that would take about a month, after which the council would move to replacing other areas with concrete.

“The council spent RM900,000 last year alone replacing things stolen by scrap metal thieves,” he said, adding that between January and May this year, the council spent an extra RM470,000.
He urged those with complaints or feedback to contact the council's toll free hotline at 1300-88-0146 or SMS free at 019 778 8212.

Johor DAP vice-chairman Norman Fernandez, who is the legal representative of the victim’s family, thanked Naim for the offer and said that he would have to revert back to his client to see whether they were willing to accept the offer.

DATUK BANDAR JOHOR BAHRU NAIK KERETA ANTIK.

SYOKNYA...!

PRE CAST CONCRETE SLABS AS REPLACEMENT FOR METAL GRATINGS.

Missing cast-iron covers and steel grating have become a major problem in Johor Bahru (and in many major cities and towns) due to thieves stealing them and selling it to scrap metal yards. Many pedestrians have suffered injuries when walking on pavements which have missing metal gratings. Recently during the Chinggay festival one lady died after falling into a drain which had its metal gratings stolen.

It was the same in Kuala Lumpur. Last year alone 1604 steel gratings were stolen costing Kuala Lumpur City Hall losses of almost RM418,000-00.

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall has now found a way to curb this problem. The solution? In comes Pre-Cast Compressed Slabs to replace steel gratings. This PCC slabs is hardier, easy to install and most importantly is of no interest to scrap metal dealers. Earlier, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall had even tried using Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) as replacements but although it had no use for scrap metal thieves, the FRP easily became damaged after some time.

THE PCC slabs on the other hand weighs about 28kg each and measuring 600mm x 395mm and can withstand the weight of heavy vehicles as well as ultraviolet rays from sunlight. Each slab, cost about RM300.00. More importantly, the PCC slabs have no resale value to scrap metal dealers and thus will not be the target of thieves. So far, 1,051 PCC slabs have been installed in 25 locations in Kuala Lumpur.

Perhaps, MBJB could seriously look into replacing the missing cast iron covers and metal gratings with PCC slabs too.

AH LONG'S FANCY THAT!

LOAN APPLICATION FORM.

JOHOR STATE GOVERNMENT TAKES AWAY TAMIL SCHOOL LAND FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT.

SJK(T) Kangkar Pulai was built in 1953 and was initially known as SRJK(T) Karai Nagar. In 1985, the school was made a sekolah bantuan penuh kerajaan and its name was changed to SJK(T) Kangkar Pulai.

The school is situated on a 0.6 acre land and has two double storey blocks of eight classrooms which is in a dilapidated state.

Infact the Public Works Department as early as 2002 after inspection stated “ bangunan ini tidak sesuai dijadikan bilik darjah kerana tidak mengikut keadaan semasa dan merbahaya untuk di gunakan.”. In its report it further advised the Education Department that “pihak kami mengesyorkan bangunan tersebut dirobohkan dan digantikan dengan bangunan baru”. Even Jabatan Bomba and Penyelamat after conducting an inspection of the school in 2002 found that among others “ Tangga keselamatan tidak mengikut ciri-ciri keselamatan yang diperakui JBDPM”, “Tiada pintu keluar keselamatan di belakang bangunan sekolah” and “ tiada alat keselamatan kebakaran”. In short the school is a death trap !.
The school has no field or vacant space and is prone to floods and is situated smack in the middle of a housing estate. The noise and din from the passing traffic does not provide a conducive studying atmosphere for the students. Students also have to make do without basic facilities like a school hall, computer lab or even a meeting room.

Despite all this shortcomings, SJK(T) Kangkar Pulai which has presently has 768 students has been for sometime among the country’s top scoring schools. In 2005, 17 students scored Seven-A’s in the UPSR examination.

On September 29, 2006 some 250 parents demonstrated in front of the school highlighting the dilapidated condition of the school.

In the immediate aftermath, Datuk Seri Samy Vellu said “I have directed the PWD to speed up work on the Tamil schools and have asked the department to furnish all the necessary requirements including the layout plans within week.”

The then Education Ministry’s parliamentary secretary Komala Krishnamoorthy confirmed that the Johor government had allotted land for the school and that construction works would begin in 2007.

The State M.I.C Chairman Datuk K.S Balakrishnan confirmed that a 2.69 ha land had been alloted by the Johor state government and further the Education Ministry has allocated RM5.4 million for the new school.

Now, in 2008 the new SJK(T) Kangkar Tebrau has yet to be constructed and even worst the land allotted for the construction of the school has been quietly taken away and instead the state government has given approval for the construction of a commercial project.

TAMIL SCHOOL LAND TAKEN AWAY BY JOHOR STATE GOVERNMENT

The STAR (07.07.2008) reported that the school authorities at top scoring SJK (T) Kangkar Pulai are fuming mad after finding out that the land promised to them for a new school has now been approved for a commercial project without their knowledge.

According to the School PTA Chairman K.Kanapathy, he has now discovered that although the Johor state government has in 2004 approved a 2.3ha land for the school and also gone on to announce a RM5.4million for the construction of the school under the 9th Malaysia Plan, the state executive council had instead on April 4, 2007 approved an application for commercial development. The state government has instead given a new piece of land for the school which is near a jungle and a quarry.

The state M.I.C Chairman Datuk K.S Balakrishnan, who was previously a state exco member now is unsure how the approved land for school has been converted. He now informs that the Johor Menteri Besar had been informed who in turn has instructed the Land Mines Department to give the land back to the school.

I think the Johor State Government has to give clear answers as to:-

1. What was the reason the state authority after having given approval in 2004 the land for the construction of the new SJK(T) Kangkar Pulai could then without informing the PTA SJK (T) Kangkar Pulai take away the land and approve it for a commercial project.

2. Why and how did the state authority on April 4, 2007 approve the application by the developers for the commercial project made in early 2006.

3. Has the land been sold to the developer by the state authorities?

4. If it has, how would it be possible and would it be possible now for Johor state to take the land from the developers and to give the land back for the construction of SJK(T) Kangkar Pulai.

5. The Johor state government is to be held responsible for taking away the land approved for the construction of the Tamil school and now has the responsibility to ensure that the land is taken back from the developers of the commercial project.

The Johor State government ought to realize that the school authorities had gone to great lengths to obtain the land and it is unfair for the state government to take the land back.

LAWATAN SUSULAN NORMAN FERNANDEZ KE FLAT SRI PELANGI PADA 01.07.2008 UNTUK MEMBANTU PENDUDUK.

Watching and blogging for a better-run city

Norman Fernandez

Norman Fernandez is a lawyer and vice-chairman of Johor DAP. In 2004 and 2008, he contested the Stulang state seat.

EFFECTIVE: Norman Fernandez runs the JB Watch blog.

PREVIOUSLY, whenever I saw, heard or received any public complaints, I would write letters

to the local authorities to complain or telephone their office asking to speak to the person-in-charge.

Most of the time, I never got a reply. My calls were met with replies such as “menghadiri kursus” (attending courses), at a briefing or on leave.Returning telephone calls does not seem to be in the work culture of some local authority staff and officials.

Fed up with knocking on closed doors, I had three choices — throw in the towel and turn a blind eye to problems as I am not an elected state assemblyman or local councillor, continue writing letters to the local councils or think of some other way to highlight the complaints and shortcomings.

Suddenly an idea struck me. Why not start a blog?

Five months ago, I started www.johorbahruwatch.blogspot.com, with the motto “Watching Johor Baru”.I was not comfortable with the idea of walking around with a digital camera.

Since my handphone is equipped with a fairly good camera, I was able to take photographs immediately when I saw some shoddy work.

All I needed to do next was to upload it to my blog using my laptop.

Since February, I have uploaded many images of clogged drains, potholes, uncovered manholes and damaged public facilities in the city.

I have also highlighted problems of missing metal covers, tilting lamp-posts, illegal advertisement posters and foreigners who make a living peddling wallets and other items on the streets.

When I upload the images on my blog, I also send a letter of complaint via email to MBJB.

Since I set up the blog, I feel local authorities have taken notice of what I post on it. Things get resolved, although not always as quickly as I hope.

Highlighting the problem areas in the city, via the blog, has become more effective than writing and faxing to the authorities. Now, I even address my complaint directly to the authorities, including the Johor Baru mayor, on my blog. And the responses I received are “better” and faster. Maybe they are reading my blog.

For example, recently, city council contractors who were engaged in beautification work on the sidewalks left metal bolts protruding there. It was an accident waiting to happen. What was shocking was that no one from the council had come around to check on the completed work.

After a couple of weeks, just as I had anticipated, disaster struck when a 78-year-old man tripped and injured himself after hitting the protruding metal bolts at Jalan Gereja.

I took photographs of the injured man, put the pictures of the dangerous metal bolts in my blog, wrote a letter to the council informing them what had happened and demanded compensation for him.

The local press also highlighted the incident.

Within 48 hours, all the protruding metal bolts around Jalan Gereja and Jalan Trus were covered with plastic cones. For good measure, and to prevent the cones from being stolen, they were secured with metal screws.

Why didn’t the council think of this in the first place? I have also been told that the council, as a gesture of goodwill, has given the injured old man a small amount of money.

I am pleased that my blog has helped someone. I am also glad to note that newspapers are downloading my blog and using the pictures in their stories.

What is clear is that the Internet and blogs are an excellent medium which can be used to interact with the local authorities.

It is obvious the local authorities would not feel comfortable to see shortcomings and shoddy work highlighted openly.

I am a proud Johorian, born in Kluang, and have made Johor Baru my workplace and home.

Naturally, I ought to take pride in my city and help make it a great city. As such, I must ensure that the local authority delivers good service to its residents.

I will continue to highlight issues pertaining to Johor Baru and MBJB in my blog.

As Reported in NST Johor Buzz 01.07.2008.

FORUM PEMIMPIN BERSAMA RAKYAT PADA 22.06.2008

LONGKANG TERSUMBAT DAN LONGKANG TANPA JERIJI BESI MERBAHAYAKAN ORANG RAMAI DI TAMPOI INDAH

Ahad lalu saya dimaklumkan bahawa Datuk Bandar, Johor Bahru akan menghadiri majlis MBJB Bersama Rakyat di Taman Tampoi Utama. Kawan saya mengajak saya pergi ke majlis dan bersua muka dengan Datuk Bandar.

Sayang sekali, Datuk Bandar tidak mengambil kesempatan untuk meninjau keadaan persekitaran. Sekiranya Datuk Bandar telah berbuat sedemikian, inilah pandangan yang menanti Datuk Bandar.

LONGKANG TERSUMBAT

Beginilah keadaan longkang di Jalan Titiwangsa 3, Taman Tampoi Indah. Gambar ini adalah longkang di hadapan kedai 7-11. Sudah hampir dua minggu, longkang ini dalam keadaan tersumbat dan air bertakung. Malahan jentik-jentik pun sudah kelihatan dalam air yang bertakung.

LONGKANG TANPA JERIJI BESI

Inilah longkang besar di hadapan kedai kain dan langsir Jakel di Jalan Titiwangsa 3, Taman Tampoi Indah. Sebenarnya sejak dua bulan yang lalu, saya telah beberapa kali ketika berurusan dengan MBJB telah memaklumkan berkenaan dengan longkang yang tidak tertutup yang merbahayakan orang ramai. Sebenarnya, pada setiap hari minggu begitu ramai pelanggan dan hampir kesemua mereka adalah pelanggan orang Melayu yang membeli-belah di kedai Jakel. Ramai yang membawa anak-anak mereka dan kadang-kadang anak-anak mereka berlari dan bermain berdekatan dengan longkang ini.

Malangnya biarpun MBJB telah dimaklumkan, MBJB seolah-olah tidak kisah dengan aduan yang telah dibuat dan sehingga hari ini tiada apa-apa tindakan yang telah diambil MBJB.

Beberapa bulan lalu, seorang wanita maut apabila jatuh dalam longkang yang tidak tertutup. Juga, seorang lelaki jatuh dan patah kaki juga kerana jatuh dalam longkang yang tidak tertutup. Persoalannya apakah MBJB berniat hanya untuk memasang jeriji besi ataupun penutup longkang hanya selepas pengguna jalan maut ataupun cedera ?

Pampasan RM 5,665 lesap

Traffic Lights Facing Wrong Direction.

This is the email received from a resident of Johor Bahru :-

"This traffic light from Lebuhraya Pasir Gudang and wanted to turn into overhead bridge JPJ - Taman Daya, JB and found that this traffic lights seems not alight properly facing us, instead of turn to the other way which have no traffic to follow".

Keluaran Kosmo - 23.06.2008

ISU PERUMAHAN RAKYAT ISKANDAR JOHOR BAHRU

This tree has been uprooted by the strong wind / twister on Tuesday , in Kawasan MIEL , SERI ALAM -MASAI .

UNTIL NOW, no action has been taken by the concerned authorities.

Norman Fernandez

EVEN THE MONKEYS ARE LEAVING

I came across this news in the June 15, 2008 edition of Kosmo. A houseowner claims that a group of monkeys entered into his house and stole his International Passport.

Yes ! you heard it right !. Monkeys stealing International Passport. That's a first !

Just goes to show that things are really getting bad in Malaysia so much so that even the monkeys want to leave. maybe it just want to get away for a while.

- Melbourne bound? Perhaps....

TIADA TEMPAT LAIN KE MBJB ?

Pada hari Ahad 8, Jun 2008 semasa saya membuat lawatan ke Gerai Kotaraya 2, Jalan Gereja saya terserempak dengan tiang-tiang lampu dan kabel yang tersadai disana.

Dahlah tempat itu lengang, tiada seorang pun pengawal keselamatan kelihatan, MBJB / Kontraktor MBJB dengan mudahnya memilih tempat sedemikian untuk meletakkan sementara waktu tiang-tiang lampu dan kabel.

LAWATAN YANG BEKERJA EN. NORMAN FERNANDEZ KE GERAI KOTARAYA 2 JALAN GEREJA DAN KAWASAN PERSEKITARAN JALAN TRUS / JALAN GEREJA JOHOR BAHRU

Pada hari Ahad 8, Jun 2008 saya telah membuat lawatan ke Gerai Kotaraya 2 Jalan Gereja untuk meninjau keadaan disana.

Saya mendapati hampir kesemua gerai-gerai dalam kedaan kosong. Beberapa gerai seolah-olah menjadi stor barang-barang. Saya dimaklumkan hanya terdapat dua gerai makanan yang beroperasi dari Isnin hingga Jumaat.

Amat mendukacitakan satu kawasan yang strategik dan yang mempunyai tempat letak kereta tidak dapat dibangunkan dengan baik. Sebenarnya tempat ini boleh dijadikan sebuah medan selera sate.

Dengan beberapa hotel-hotel terkemuka yang berdekatan, Gerai Kotaraya 2, amat sesuai dibangunkan dan dijadikan medan selera sate. Suatu masa dahulu di Singapura ada satu tempat yang dipanggil “Sate Club”. Ia bukannya satu kelab tetapi tempat untuk penjual-penjual sate menjual sate sahaja. Tempat ini telah menjadi tarikan pelancong-pelancong.

Kawasan Gerai Kotaraya 2, juga boleh dibangunkan dan dijadikan sedemikian. Penjual-penjual sate yang terbaik dijemput untuk menjaja disana. Pelanggan pun hampir sudah ada antara lain Hotel Tropical Inn, Hotel Puteri Pacific, Hotel Hyatt dan Persada Johor.

Apa macam MBJB ?

Namun begitu beginilah keadaan di Gerai Kotaraya 2, pada masa ini.

Gambar diatas menunjukkan gerai-gerai yang dalam keadaan tertutup.

Inilah rupa tandas di Gerai Kotaraya 2, Jalan Gereja.

Datuk Bandar, pengurusan tandas ini kerja siapa ?

Bilakah kali terakhir Ahli-ahli Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru, Datuk Bandar Johor Bahru meninjau Gerai Kotaraya 2?

Angkat punggung jalan-jalanlah sikit!!!