Hannah Yeoh

More on illegal dumping

2012-01-28T00:41:00.001+08:00

Article in SJ Echo - RM1K fine for illegal dumping

Eyesore...Hannah with MPSJ councilors and urban services department staff looking at one of the dumping spots in USJ2

SUBANG JAYA: RESIDENTS who are in the habit of dumping their rubbish indiscriminately along the roads will find themselves RM1,000 poorer if they are caught in the act.

ADUN Subang Jaya Hannah Yeoh said those caught in the act would have to face the music since all efforts by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council to deter such irresponsible behaviour had failed to stem the worsening problem of indiscriminate dumping.

"I urge residents to be more civic conscious and to dispose of their rubbish properly. Don't just throw it anywhere you like."

"If you see your neighbour dumping their rubbish improperly, advise them. If they still do it, call MPSJ for them to take action," she said during a press conference held in USJ2 to highlight the worsening problem.

Residents who have bulky waste to dispose of or for those who wish to lodge complaints can call the council's urban services department hotline at 03-8026 7431 (during office hours) or call MPSJ's main hotline at 03-5637 6545 (24 hours).

More illegal dumping

2012-01-28T00:32:00.001+08:00

Article in SJ Echo - What a Lot of Rubbish!

Indiscriminate dumping of rubbish at its worst in affluent neighbourhood of Subang Jaya

SUBANG JAYA: THE CONTINUOUS indiscriminate dumping of rubbish by residents of Subang Jaya and the nonchalant attitude of the Subang Jaya Municipal Council in addressing it has earned the wrath of ADUN Subang Jaya Hannah Yeoh.

Despite it being the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, Hannah took to the areas most affected in USJ to look at the situation on the ground with MPSJ councilors Dr KM Loi and Rajiv Rishyakaran, together with officials from MPSJ's urban services department.

The situation along Jalan USJ11/3 was bad, with rubbish piled up along the roads, spaced out between every two trees along the stretch.

"It is crucial for MPSJ YDP Dato' Asmawi Kasbi to address this problem. This area is the closest to the council's location and yet it happens, right at their doorstep."

"He (Asmawi) should turun padang to see the problems for himself. Two 3ton lorries to pick up bulky waste and garden refuse is not enough to cater to the whole municipality," she said.

Hannah said MPSJ needs to mobilise more resources to address this issue and not just turn a blind eye.

"The pattern starts with garden waste bags being placed along the roadside by MPSJ contractors. Uncollected, these bags of grass or leaves attract residents to add on to the pile with their own rubbish."

"Rubbish is piling up everywhere and it appears to be at its worse in affluent areas like USJ4, USJ5 and USJ11," she said, adding that homeowners also needed to be more considerate and refrain from dumping their rubbish everywhere.

Hannah who stopped to ask a security guard at USJ11/3 was told by the guard on duty that domestic maids from the houses were the culprits, dumping rubbish along the road junctions and at the trees.

She said MPSJ had started a pilot project in USJ2 by placing bulky waste bins for residents to dispose of their rubbish at designated spots.

"This is to gauge the volume of rubbish and costings before we will consider extending it all over Subang Jaya as one of several measures to address this nagging problem," she added.

Happy Chinese New Year!

2012-01-22T09:34:00.000+08:00

Here's wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year! Have a wonderful reunion dinner with your loved ones tonight. May 2012 be a year of hope, peace, joy and good health for all Malaysians. Gong Xi Gong Xi!

When good men do something

2012-01-19T01:13:00.002+08:00

My tribute for the late YB Edward Lee which was featured in this month's Rocket:

In loving memory of my friend Edward (I took this photo of Edward at the State Assembly in Selangor in March 2009 during lunch break)

When good men do something, not only is evil defeated, but righteousness gains authority. The passing of YB Edward Lee, State Assemblyman of Bukit Gasing, Selangor on the 20^th of December is the passing of a good man who did more than just something. From an entrepreneur and community leader to a state legislator, Edward has served and impacted his community, state and nation in ways which has indeed brought about meaningful present change but more powerfully, would yield the greatest harvest in years to come.

My husband and I call Edward our friend, even though he was almost twice our age and his children are our peers. Our friendship was forged during the campaign period of the last General Election, when we shared in the same experience of answering the call to be a DAP candidate, despite not having the necessary political experience but simply being guided by the belief in our Christian values that righteousness exalts a nation and it is time for us to do something, to stand up, speak up and act for our nation. Edward came to speak at one of my political rallies in the rain. We both ended up winning against all odds and being elected state assemblypersons along with many of our other colleagues from Pakatan Rakyat. We campaigned to be the stronger opposition in Selangor. We ended up being the new government. Edward took to his new role with gusto and simply relished the challenge.

Back in 2008, I sought much counsel from Edward after winning the state seat of Subang Jaya. I looked to him as a mentor. He was always there to provide guidance. When I protested against the development of utility land in USJ 6 with my residents, Edward was there. When I had to deal with the Subang Ria issue, Edward was there. When I wanted clarification on local government matters, Edward was there for me.

There was a time when we took a road trip up to Penang to campaign for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Permatang Pauh by-election. My husband was driving me and two friends in our car while Edward who was being driven by his son Simon, followed behind at a safe distance in their trusted old Nissan Sunny 120Y. Edward loved that car and he was very proud of it. We had arranged modest accommodation at the Taiping Lake Club, where we put up while campaigning in Permatang Pauh. It was so much like a family road trip for us, a road trip to campaign for Anwar. This memory reminds me of the simple, humble man that Edward is and has always been.

Edward’s passion was to serve and serve as the assemblyman he did. When he was first diagnosed with cancer in 2009, I was devastated. He fought the illness without ever slowing down in his responsibilities and duty as an assemblyman. It must be remembered that while he was passionate about his job, he was also a devoted father and loving husband who ensured that while he served the community, he did not falter in his home. Edward could have taken time off and relegated his role as an assemblyman to the periphery while devoting all his time to himself and his loved ones while battling cancer. Many would have done that and there’s absolutely nothing wrong if he had chosen to do that. But he didn’t. His passion to serve transcended his personal needs.

When my husband and I visited Edward in his home in June/July 2011 as he lay in bed after suffering from a fall, unable to move, he began to discuss with passion the issues that he was working on at that time concerning his constituency and Selangor. As I stood next to the Selangor Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim at Edward’s wake service, I was choked with tears as I heard how the MB recounted that Edward was actually communicating with him on certain issues affecting his constituency very recently before his passing, unbeknownst to the MB at that time that Edward was ill, living his last days as the state assemblyman.

Edward and I often spoke on the phone, more often than not complaining about our frustration with certain issues and the difficulties we faced in discharging our duties. I will miss those calls.

When I delivered Shay, Edward rang me and asked “Hey, I forgot to ask you, what would your little one like as a gift? I haven’t bought her anything.” I replied “No need la Ed, she has a lot of things already. If you want, you can buy her something when she turns one”. Edward said “Sure, OK!”. He couldn’t wait that long. I will miss him on Shay’s first birthday.

When my mother-in-law passed away suddenly on 30^th November 2011, Edward came to see Ram and I at the funeral parlour. He was so weak after his chemo and yet he insisted on coming – to be there for us. That’s Edward – always there for his friends. As he stared at my mother-in-law resting in that coffin, Edward said “Life, shocking huh? But I am convinced by now that if the Lord wants me home, I will go and if He doesn’t think it’s time, He will sustain us”. On the day my mother-in-law was cremated, Edward wanted to be there too but he could not. I received a missed call from him. That was the last call I received from him.

We often seek for elements of hope and inspiration for our nation, especially during these trying times in the course of rebuilding this nation. And we are inclined every time to look for it in the young. But through Edward, I now know that we have unassuming older heroes among us, who are young at heart but filled with wisdom and truthfulness, unpretentious but driven by the simple cause of pursuing justice and righteousness while serving in their noble calling. I trust that the Lord knows it best when Edward breathed his last while serving as a state assemblyman. I don’t think he would have had it any other way.

Below are photos which I have taken of Edward and with Edward since 2008. I would like to share them with you:

With fellow assemblymen at the opening of State Assembly sitting in March 2009

Edward with Dr Nasir (ADUN Kota Damansara) and Ng Suee Lim (ADUN Sekinchan)

Mr & Mrs Edward Lee

Edward and Speaker of Selangor State Assembly Dato' Teng Chang Khim

My husband Ram with Edward, Dr Nasir and Dr Cheah Wing Yin (ADUN Damansara Utama) at the friendly games for assemblymen and spouse

Edward at MBPJ's Easter Concert

Backbenchers meeting in 2008 with Dr Rani (ADUN Meru) and Dr Nasir

Edward and I at the Permatang Pauh by-election campaigning for DSAI

Edward at the protest against development of Telekom land in USJ 6, he came to support my residents together with YB Khalid Samad (MP Shah Alam), Dr Nasir and Tony Pua (MP for PJ Utara)

Edward a member of the SELCAT committee

Happier times at Edward Ling's wedding day

With resident Jeffrey Khoo, MPSJ councillor Rajiv Rishyakaran and Edward at the 1st Citizen Journalist Conference by Malaysiakini in 2010. This photo taken from 1mytomyam.blogspot.com

I miss you Ed and I know you are safe in the Father's arms. Absent in the body, present with the Lord. Each time I think of you, this song comes to mind and the lyrics hold true:

There’s a land that is fairer than day,

And by faith we can see it afar;

For the Father waits over the way

To prepare us a dwelling place there.

In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore...

Prosthetic leg for SS19 resident

2012-01-18T01:39:00.000+08:00

Amputee gets prosthetic leg from Yeoh

By AIDA AHMAD and ELLORA CHUA

AMPUTEE and father of seven children, Mohd Noor Busin can now look forward to walking and moving around freely without the aid of a wheelchair.

Mohd Noor, 68, who lost his leg in July last year due to diabetic complications, received his new prosthetic limb from Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh at his home in SS19 recently.

“I first saw Mohd Noor when we carried out a gotong-royong project in the area. He had applied to get a prosthetic leg from the Social Welfare Department but there was no feedback,” said Yeoh.

Mohd Noor’s children went to get a quotation from a clinic for the prosthetic leg and were faced with a RM7,990 bill.

Much needed assistance: Yeoh (second from left) with the artificial leg her office donated to amputee Mohd Noor. With them are Jamal Mohamed (left) and Mohd Noor’s daughters, Hamidah (in pink) and Hummida.

“His children managed to save up RM2,000 which was not enough.

“My office offered to donate the balance of RM5,990 for Mohd Noor to have his leg in time for his son’s wedding in December,” Yeoh said.

She urged the Welfare Department to speed up cases such as these in future to lessen the burden of people with disabilities because the cost of prosthetic limbs is very expensive.

Mohd Noor’s daughters, Nor Hamidah, 17, and Nor Hummida, 19, are very happy that their father can finally move around without the wheelchair.

“I’m very thankful for the prosthetic leg. I hope that when my father gets used to walking with the prosthetic leg and is able to take care of himself again, my older sister can find a job to help our family,” said Hamidah.

At the moment, Hummida stays at home to take care of her father.

“I am very happy because things will be easier now, not just for myself but for my other family members and my father as well.

“I am also very thankful for Yeoh’s help because we appealed to the Welfare Department in August but got a very late response.

“Now that my father has a prosthetic leg, I am at ease. He can go the toilet and bathe without having to sit in a wheelchair now,” said Hummida.

SS19 Rukun Tetangga chairman Jamal Mohamed also thanked Yeoh for helping Mohd Noor.

“We are very appreciative of her for coming to our aid,” he said.

Photos taken during the press conference with SS19 residents

Does the BN Federal Government care about Subang Jaya?

2012-01-16T22:59:00.001+08:00

Going ahead with 1Malaysia clinic

Health Ministry proceeds with set-up despite resistance against having a nurse-run establishment

SUBANG JAYA: The Health Ministry will set up a 1Malaysia clinic to serve Subang Jaya residents despite opposition against the move.

The residents, led by state assemblyman Hannah Yeoh, have expressed concern over whether nurses and health assistants at 1Malaysia clinics were in the position to legally treat patients and prescribe medication.

They want a government health clinic, run by a qualified doctor and medical staff, instead.

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said she was aware of the residents’ concerns and said the ministry had studied and discussed these issues with various government agencies and non-governmental organisations.

However, Rosnah said the 1Malaysia clinic would serve its purpose for residents in USJ and the surrounding areas.

“The ministry had previously set up a health clinic in Medan Maju Jaya in March 2007, which serves the surrounding areas, including Bandar Sunway,” she said.

“Subang Jaya residents can also seek medical attention from the health clinic in Medan Maju besides the other clinics in Kelana Jaya and Puchong.”

Yeoh said she was disappointed the ministry was going ahead with its plan to set up the 1Malaysia clinic.

“I have raised the matter with the relevant authorities and the ministry on several occasions but to no avail,” she said.

“There is already an allocation under the Ninth Malaysia Plan for the construction of a government clinic that will be able to operate like any other health clinic with qualified doctors and medical staff to serve the needs of the public.”

She also said the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) had identified a suitable plot of land in USJ 1 for the construction of such a health clinic.

Last week, Yeoh accompanied members of the Subang Jaya senior citizens club to a meeting with ministry officials to discuss problems faced by the residents seeking treatment at nearby health clinics.

She said the clinics already served densely-populated areas and the residents would prefer to seek treatment “in their own area”.

Yeoh said in addition to having to wait for long periods, some of the residents had to stand for hours because of the lack of chairs.

Rosnah said there should not be any problem for senior citizens to collect their medicines as it could be done by their spouses or children.

1Malaysia clinics were first set up more than a year ago.

Since the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak of a RM10 million budget allocated for the project, 50 such clinics have been established throughout the country.

No reason for delay in getting a government clinic

2012-01-16T22:49:00.002+08:00

By DAWN CHAN
SUBANG JAYA
streets@nstp.com.my

No reason for delay in getting a government clinic

SUBANG Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh is urging the Health Ministry to give priority to the setting up of a government clinic in the township.

Yeoh said there should be no reason for the delay as there is an allocation under the Ninth Malaysia Plan and the Subang Jaya Municipal Council had identified a plot of land in USJ 1 for the construction of the clinic.

Without a government clinic in Subang Jaya, residents of Subang Jaya, Bandar Sunway and USJ are forced to seek medical treatment in government clinics as far as Kelana Jaya and Puchong.

Yeoh said in December 2009, the council had given permission to the Petaling district health department to build a government clinic and had allocated a plot of land measuring 0.3ha at USJ 1/33 in Taman Subang Permai.

However, Yeoh said the ministry refused to build it as it claimed it was not suitable during a site visit in early last year.

Seeing the urgency for a government clinic, Yeoh scouted for another site herself. She suggested that it was also feasible to acquire brand new shop lots in USJ 1 to set up the government clinic.

The ministry officers assured Yeoh that they would submit the suggestion but she has heard nothing from them till now.

During a dialogue with members of the Senior Citizens Club Subang Jaya and ministry officers last week, Yeoh said grouses were raised.

"The nearest government clinic to Subang Jaya is in Kelana Jaya.

"The club members complained about having to go there very early in the morning and waiting in a long queue. On top of that, there aren't enough chairs for them to sit while waiting.

"Because they are given medicines which will only last a month, they have to repeat the tedious process monthly. For Subang Jaya folk to have their own clinic makes sense," she said.

After the dialogue concluded, Yeoh, along with ministry officers, visited the USJ1 site and she was promised that a push would be given for the government clinic to materialise.

"Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai should know that Selangor folk are also tax payers and they contribute RM16 billion to the Federal Government's revenue.

"They have a right to a government clinic and they ought to benefit from the services.

"Having Subang Jaya folk travel to Kelana Jaya to seek medical treatment only adds on to the number of patients there.

"In Subang Jaya, a plot of land has already been identified. If it is small, then just build a small clinic with basic facilities.

"I hope the focus will not be too much on the infrastructure aspect but on providing service to the people, which should be paramount. We do not need a state-of-the-art government clinic," she said.

The government clinic, added Yeoh, is to benefit senior citizens, urban poor, single parents, students and those living below the poverty line. Over at the Angsana low-cost flats alone, Yeoh said there are 8,000 households.

Removal of Dr Hasan Ali as State Exco

2012-01-13T13:14:00.000+08:00

KENYATAAN AKHBAR

13 JANUARI 2012

TAKLIMAT KEPADA DYMM TUANKU SULTAN TENTANG STATUS YB DATO’ DR HASAN MOHAMED ALI SEBAGAI AHLI MMKN.

Pagi tadi saya telah diperkenankan untuk mengadap DYMM Tuanku Sultan untuk memberi taklimat mengenai status YB Dato’ Dr Hasan Mohamed Ali sebagai ahli Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (MMKN).

Saya telah mempersembahkan kepada Tuanku Sultan bahawa saya telah menerima surat rasmi dari Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) bertarikh 10 Januari 2012 memaklumkan bahawa Jawatankuasa Kerja PAS Pusat yang bersidang pada 8 Januari 2012 telah membuat keputusan memecat YB Dato’ Dr Hasan dari menjadi ahli PAS berkuatkuasa serta merta.

Memandangkan YB Dato Dr Hasan bukan lagi ahli PAS, saya telah membuat keputusan bahawa beliau tidak lagi layak menjadi ahli MMKN dan telah menasihati DYMM Tuanku Sultan untuk membatalkan perlantikan beliau.

DYMM Tuanku Sultan telah bersetuju dengan pendapat saya dan akan menulis watikah pembatalan perlantikan YB Dato’ Dr Hasan sebagai ahli MMKN.

Pada masa yang sama, DYMM Tuanku Sultan telah menurunkan kuasanya pada saya untuk melantik ahli baharu MMKN. Baginda Sultan juga menasihatkan saya agar menjalankan tanggungjawab ini dengan bijaksana tanpa dipengaruhi oleh mana-mana pihak.

Perlantikan ahli MMKN yang baharu akan disempurnakan di Istana Kayangan pada Rabu minggu hadapan 18 Januari 2012.

TAN SRI ABDUL KHALID IBRAHIM

DATO’ MENTERI BESAR SELANGOR

New Year message

2012-01-02T13:30:00.000+08:00

New Year message from Hannah Yeoh, Subang Jaya State Assemblyman and

DAP Selangor Treasurer, Subang Jaya – 02 January 2012

A New Year dawns and an opportunity exists for the creation of an inclusive Malaysia

As we step into the New Year, my hope and urge for Malaysians in 2012 is that there is more inclusiveness in the laws and practices in our multi-ethnic and multi-religious country. Many incidents in 2011 have left Malaysians wondering if the current Barisan Nasional administration is sincere in its motto of 1Malaysia when it has on many occasions failed to protect the rights of minority ethnics and religions in the country.

BN’s failure in admonishing groups such as Perkasa, who have been on a warpath against non-Muslim communities, is a clear indication that the nation’s leadership is non-receptive towards the needs and rights of all Malaysians. The recent episode, involving threats by the extremist group Perkasa against a harmless appeal by National Evangelical Christian Fellowship’s Reverend Eu Hong Seng for rights of all in Malaysia to be protected, should no longer be tolerated in the coming year.

Reverend Eu’s call for Article 153 of the Federal Constitution to be read in a manner that would ensure an inclusive approach to protecting all Malaysians, not just one section of citizens, is fair and timely to say the least. Why have such requests been received so negatively by the BN, and its associates, and such aggressive reaction meted out? Does the mere mention of Article 153 justify such reactions, especially when non-Malays discuss it? Has Malaysia not developed and moved forward in its thinking?

I strongly support Parliamentary and DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang’s suggestion for “an independent and dispassionate study [to be] made as to who must be held responsible for the worsening racial and religious polarisation in the past 32 months” in Malaysia. Only then can the country truly adopt and implement concepts such as 1Malaysia.

2012 offers us all an opportunity to create a more modern, forward thinking and developed Malaysia, one that caters for the rights of all equally. While I take this opportunity to wish Malaysians a Happy New Year, I would also like to remind Malaysians that the power to ensure the country moves in the right direction is in your hands. With the opportunity provided in the next general election, it is a chance for us to weed out extremists in the administration and ensure a better Malaysia.

New year, new office location, extended operating hours

2011-12-28T00:21:00.000+08:00

Beginning 2012 we will be moving to a bigger office at 113A (1st Floor) Jalan SS14/1, Subang Jaya with extended operating hours to better serve all our constituents. We will be operating 5 days a week (Monday to Friday) from 10am to 5pm and on Thursday nights 8pm to 10pm.

Please be informed that we will be closed from 28 - 30 December 2011 for this move. Here's wishing everyone a Happy New Year and may 2012 be a wonderful year for all!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T12:10:00.001+08:00

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas celebration with all your loved ones. As we continue to rejoice and celebrate our Saviour King Jesus, may we remember that everyday is a reason for celebration because of Him! Christmas isn't Christmas till it happens in our hearts. Celebrate Jesus everyone!

More parking bays in SS18

2011-12-14T00:47:00.000+08:00

Newly created parking bays from MARRIS allocation for DUN Subang Jaya

Article in SJ Echo - More Parking Bays in SS18

SIXTY three more parking bays have been added along Jalan Ss18/1B, providing a much needed relief to residents and also shop owners along the stretch.

ADUN Subang Jaya Hannah Yeoh said the shop owners along the road had also requested for a one-way traffic system to be implemented for the two-lane stretch.

“There is a great need for parking space in SS18 especially those fronting the shop houses. My office has also received many requests from residents all over Subang Jaya for their roads to be resurfaced.”

“We need more funds from the State Government in 2012 to do so,” she said after inspecting the new parking bays.

Hannah said for a sum of RM1mil, MPSJ was only able to resurface approximately eight to nine kilometers of road.

“We are presently going on a road to road basis depending on the urgency of the request from residents,” she said.

SS18 TJ House Restaurant owner Jeffrey Tan who was present said the extra parking bays was good as it helped ease the need for space for residents and customers who frequented the row of shop houses in the area.

“Parking space is inadequate especially during the evenings when people come over to dine at the restaurants in this area,” he added.

Receiving feedback from the business owners who are happy with the additional parking bays

With MPSJ Engineers Ir Ismail, Adnan Derahman and Rostam Salleh and business owners

Apart from the new parking bays above, the RM1 million MARRIS allocation given for DUN Subang Jaya has been spent to resurface/repair the following roads:-

(1) Jalan PJS 7/15 (with 38 additional newly created parking bays for the morning market)

(2) Jalan PJS 9/3

(3) Jalan SS18/1B

(4) Jalan SS19/7

(5) Jalan SS19/3

(6) Roads servicing SS13 Subang Jaya Buddhist Association and Kuil Sri Varatharajah Perumal

(7) Jalan Subang 4

(8) Jalan USJ 9/3F (with 18 additional newly created parking bays) and a few other streets in USJ 9

(9) Jalan TP 1/4

(10) Junction from Persiaran Tujuan heading to Persiaran Kewajipan

(11) Jalan Persiaran Subang

The newly resurfaced road along Jalan SS18/1B

At the recent State Legislative Assembly sitting, I have requested for more funds to be channelled to MPSJ for repair and/or resurfacing of roads. For more information/explanation on the lack of funds for this purpose, you may click here to find out more.

Bright lights, happy community

2011-12-14T00:02:00.001+08:00

Article in Komunitikini

The SS15 field in Subang Jaya, the only open space for some 340 houses in the community, is now bright even at night following the installation of two floodlights.

Subang Jaya assemblywoman, Hannah Yeoh, who officiated a ceremony to commemorate the completion of the installation today, said the lights were built along with other upgrades such as a walking path, exercise stations, work stations and a fence around the football field.

The ceremony drew the participation of more than 50 residents, who donned their residents’ association t-shirts and made merry while witnessing the official opening of the upgraded park.

Yeoh said the lights cost about RM9,000 and were funded by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ).

“This was requested by the residents as the area is a hotspot for crime,” she explained.

“Following the installation of floodlights, they now have better security and are also able to use the facilities at night,” she said.

Loi Kheng Min, the MPSJ councillor for JKP Zone 1 (under which the SS15 neighbourhood comes under), also noted that SS15 is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Subang Jaya and many of its residents are retirees.

“They now have an extended time to exercise,” he said, referring to the lighted park.

How the residents organised themselves

SS15 residents’ association secretary, Michael Surendran, said the residents first organised themselves in a group in 2009 due to concern about the rising crime rate in the neighbourhood.

“We then decided to have our own voluntary patrols every night to fight crime,” said the former police official.

He said that with Yeoh’s assistance, they managed to get bicycles, vests and torchlights for the patrols.

The efforts were effective. Surendran said he once confronted a gang of burglars who were breaking into a house. He alerted the police, and the gang was busted in Cheras later.

He also said a small alley beside the field used to be a crime spot as many students and residents were using it to get to the shoplots, even during at night.

The residents then requested the authority to make it into one-way road, and Yeoh had in last year allocated a fund to build a police beat near the alley.

“Since then, the crime rate dropped by almost 100 percent,” Michael said.

Yeoh commended the residents on their initiative to get together, and said it should be emulated by other communities.

“By getting together as one voice, your demands can be more clearly heard,” she said.

More photos taken by my office during the press conference that day:

During the press conference

With the men

With the ladies

The floodlights

The happy community

Insecurity is the heart of racism

2011-11-15T15:29:00.000+08:00

Article featured in The Rocket

When Subang Jaya State Assemblywoman Hannah Yeoh and her husband Ramachandran Muniandy decided to register their newborn daughter as “anak Malaysia”, nobody told them that it would unearth deep-seated insecurity in Malaysians’ attitudes towards race.

Hannah believes that there is a sizeable amount of Malaysians who – like her – prefer to be identified as Malaysian and not ethnic Chinese, Indian or Malay.

However, she was shocked by some of the reactions she got when she tried to get the National Registration Department to officially recognize the concept of Bangsa Malaysia. “Someone told me I was ‘not a submissive wife’, while others accused me of being anti-Indian.”

While awareness of the Bangsa Malaysia concept is growing, Hannah says that her recent experience has revealed that a segment of the population is resistant towards it. “Some people condemn political parties for having racist agendas, but they are not able to let go of the notion of race either.”

Hannah traces this attitude on the system of racial labeling which has become a ‘stronghold’ in the way this country functions.

“Race is at the core of each Malaysian’s identity from the moment they are born. Everything revolves around which category you tick in the box for ‘race’ in Malaysia,” the former lawyer told The Rocket.

Hannah points out that a Malaysian going overseas who describe themselves as being ‘chinese’ would find themselves being mistaken for being a China national.

Asked what would make Bangsa Malaysia a reality, she replied that Malaysians must abandon the argument of race.

“Our sense of security in our identity must not be rooted in skin color. It comes from knowing who you are… your relationship with your Maker and your loved ones… being empowered by that. I don’t believe I depend on my skin color for anything,” stressed Hannah.

The first-term state assemblywoman firmly believes that insecurity is at the heart of racism. “Insecurity turns people into racists. But unity can happen when the people of this land feel a sense of belonging, when we look at the things that unite us and not focus on skin color.”

Describing an example of unity, she relates the story of two best friends and former schoolmates, which she calls a tale of “the real 1 Malaysia”. Wheelchair-bound Chin Kit is best friends with Azizul. Despite living in Pantai Dalam, Azizul would travel all the way to USJ 1 in Subang Jaya just to spend time with Chin Kit.

They hang out together and often share a taxi to go shopping. Azizul, who suffers a disability to his hand, would carry Chin Kit in and out of his heavy wheelchair.

“In a country with no natural disasters, we often take unity for granted. But these two friends with disabilities had to depend on each other for survival. There is no room for discrimination when we need to depend on each other,” Hannah added.

“Don’t be an Ibrahim Ali at your dinner table”

Quoting blogger Nathaniel Tan, Hannah exhorted parents to be mindful of their choice of words when speaking about those of other races. “Don’t be an Ibrahim Ali at the dinner table, your children will easily pick up stereotypes,” she said.

Hannah believes that leadership is the key to breaking racial stereotypes. She added that Bangsa Malaysia would not happen if teachers continue to be trained by Biro Tata Negara, or if political parties are race-based.

She rapped Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak for spending millions on branding to promote the 1 Malaysia concept “without sincerity”, and not living up to expectations. Hannah said that the slogan is without substance if the Prime Minister does not take action against incidents of racial intolerance.

For instance inflammatory remarks by Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali; or the recent 8TV Ramadan Public Service Announcement Advertisements – which she describes as “tasteless and condescending”.

Hannah warned against an attitude of “sweeping things under the carpet”, as over time, the accumulated sensitivity will explode. She supports DAP National Chairman Karpal Singh’s suggestion of legislating a Race Relations Act.

The 32-year-old says that she always strives to emphasize inclusiveness in constituency allocations and programmes organised by her kawasan. “For instance, in the Subang Jaya Talent Quest competition, we required group participants to be multicultural and not just made up of members of the same race,” she said.

Hannah – also known as Yeoh Tseow Suan – decried that mono-racial friendship has become second nature in an increasingly polarised society. She described the phenomenon of adults gradually having fewer friends of different races as being “unhealthy”.

By nurturing the things that unite Malaysians, she hopes to rekindle multicultural friendships – in particular for her daughter’s generation. -The Rocket

Hailstorm in USJ

2011-11-14T02:20:00.000+08:00

Article from SJ Echo - "Mini Tornado" Hits Puchong and Parts of USJ

Residents and Authorities Cleaning Up in the Aftermath

TNB personnel working into the night to restore power to homes left in the dark for hours after the storm.

PUCHONG and USJ residents were caught off guard with the sudden heavy storm that swept through their neighbourhoods leaving behind a trail of destruction.

Several parts of USJ especially in USJ13 experienced a hailstorm just before thunder, lightning, strong winds and heavy rain poured down mercilessly in the housing estates.

Photo of the small pieces of ice which fell from the sky, courtesy of Mr Ang of USJ13 RT

The "mini tornado" as described by sources close to the Meteorological Services Department, left a trail of destruction - fallen trees and even disruption in power supply to several areas.

MPSJ, Bomba and even TNB personnel were kept busy the whole afternoon right into the night, trying to clear roads of debris and reconnecting power to homes which had been left in the dark since 4pm.

ADUN Subang Jaya Hannah Yeoh who went around the neighbourhoods of USJ9, USJ13 and USJ14 to see the extend of the damage said she hoped residents would be patient as the authorities raced against time to carry out their work.

Hannah calling TNB while she is with residents of USJ13

Earlier reports from residents described chaos as tree branches and uprooted trees blocked off roads in neighbourhoods and also Persiaran Murni.

My tribute to the late OCPD

2011-11-12T03:41:00.000+08:00

A Good Man

A few months ago, YB Gobind Singh Deo (Member of Parliament for Puchong) and I had a conversation about town hall meetings and co-operation with the police. Naturally, we touched on the issue of application for police permits for such meetings and the person in charge of considering such applications – the late OCPD Tuan Zainal Rashid. When his name was mentioned, YB Gobind’s description of him stayed in my head until today: “A good man”.

A good man. That’s him. Our Tuan Zainal. Ever since I was elected the State Assemblyman of Subang Jaya, I have attended 3 funerals for police officers at USJ 8 Balai. His is my third. When I received news of his sudden death from MPSJ councillor Rajiv Rishyakaran, I was stunned. I could not believe the sms I saw. I wanted to just delete it and pretend that I never saw it.

Just a few days before his death, I hosted a thanksgiving dinner for rescue workers of the explosion at Empire, namely the policemen and the firemen. Tuan Zainal sat next to me at the dinner table and we had an interesting conversation. He gave me slimming tips when we started chatting about the weight I put on during pregnancy. We talked about my caesarean surgery. He spoke about the importance of “urut” to get back into shape. I wanted to stay back a little longer to chat with him and now regret for failure to obey that tugging at my heart. I didn’t know that that would be the last time I saw him.

The last time I saw him - photo courtesy of SJ Echo

In the course of performing my duties as the State Assemblyman of Subang Jaya, I have met many police officers but Tuan Zainal stood out like a star. He was always down to earth and made me feel very comfortable around him. Always patient to explain procedures to me (he did the same at the Empire explosion site at 5am!). He had invited me to his house before for Hari Raya gathering and had the pleasure of meeting his wife. Sadly, I missed the chance to buka puasa with him at the new surau in IPD Subang Jaya this year.

Our karaoke session together

I will never forget meeting him at the first function organised by USJ RA in 3K. I was called out to sing a P. Ramlee duet with Tuan Zainal. I was nervous, firstly I’m a lousy singer and secondly, having to belt out a P. Ramlee song gave me double anxiety. Again, Tuan Zainal did what he knew best – making people around him feel comfortable and I did not just survive the song, I actually enjoyed it!

My colleagues in politics have often complained about the difficulty of securing police permits for their events. I did not share the same fate, simply because Tuan Zainal was a fair man. I count meeting him, knowing him and having fellowshipped with him as one of the great joys of serving as the ADUN of Subang Jaya.

He will be greatly missed! - photo courtesy of SJ Echo

Some days I still go to his Facebook page and see his photos. His sudden passing is a great loss to the community of Subang Jaya. I know he will be greatly missed by his family and those who love him. A tribute article like this cannot do justice to the nice man that he was. But this is the least I can do, to let Subang Jaya residents know what a fine man we had in our late OCPD. A good man indeed.

Giving credit when it is due

2011-11-12T03:26:00.000+08:00

My article in SJ Echo:

Giving Credit When It Is Due

Ever since I became the state assemblyman for Subang Jaya, sleeping late has been a norm. Some days I get to go to bed early yet still remain awake till early morning pre occupied with so many thoughts. September 28 was no different. I happened to be awake at about 3am and was reading tweets on my phone when I received a tweet from a resident in SS17 informing me of a loud explosion coming from Empire Shopping Gallery. I immediately rang the police from SS17 police station and they told me they were already at the site. After notifying the MPSJ engineer, I rushed to the site too.

When I arrived, I was greeted by Tuan Ariffin from the SS17 police station and then Chief Inspector Sulaiman. As I walked closer to the site of the explosion, I noticed the firemen led by Deputy Supt Tuan Khairi bin Daud of the SS17 balai were already at work. Soon after, I met our OCPD Tuan Zainal who was also there at 5am. This article is not to talk about the explosion (which you can read from other news reports). I want to talk about the brave men involved in the rescue and inspection works.

This was the first time I had ever experienced a large scale emergency incident. Seeing the rubble in front of my very eyes was a numbing experience. I have been to Empire to have family meals and my immediate thought was “what if we were in there when this happened? My husband, my baby, my parents, sisters, brothers, friends and etc?” The next question that came to mind “wow, rubble, broken glass – do I dare to walk in to have a look if they allow me to?”. I didn’t have the answer.

And then I looked up and saw the bomba officers walking in and out of the building, looking unwavering and without doubt about their own safety. Something shifted inside me. I knew it was the “underestimated the risks involved” mindset when assessing the performance of some of our men in orange and blue.

When I tweeted about how impressed I was with them, someone replied commenting that I should not praise them for what is expected of them to do (their job). You see – it takes a lot of courage to walk towards the rubble and into the building to inspect (not knowing the cause of the explosion and whether or not it was going to explode again?!).

What if they don’t walk out alive? What about their loved ones? I couldn’t find it within me the same courage they had and for that, they deserve my praise! I hope in today’s pessimistic society, we can be more generous with our praise and encouragement when credit is due. After all, it doesn’t cost much to say thank you for being brave!

Forum Belanjawan 2012 on 11/11/11

2011-11-07T16:55:00.000+08:00

A public forum on the national budget is being held in Subang Jaya on 11 Nov 2011 9pm at Dewan MPSJ SS15, featuring YB Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad (MP Kuala Selangor), YB Liew Chin Tong (MP Bukit Bendera, Penang) and YB Azan Ismail (MP Indera Mahkota, Pahang), who are members of the Pakatan Rakyat shadow budget committee. Organized by Pemuda Pakatan Rakyat Kelana Jaya. All are welcomed!

Happy Deepavali!

2011-10-25T01:11:00.000+08:00

Here's wishing all my Hindu friends and residents a very Happy Deepavali! For those who are travelling, have a safe journey and a wonderful time with your family and loved ones.

Cheque presentation for Deepavali

2011-10-25T00:45:00.000+08:00

Temple gets financial assistance

Selangor Times Writer: William Tan

SUBANG JAYA: The Sri Varatharajah Perumal Temple here received RM12,000 in financial assistance from the state in conjunction with Deepavali last Saturday.

“It is the second year that the state has given us money and we are very appreciative of the gesture,” said temple president R Subramani.

The temple received RM 20,000 last year. This year’s aid will be used to pay for renovations.

Subramani said the temple wanted to build a Rajagopuram, an elaborate entrance usually found with larger Hindu temples, which will cost an estimated RM1.2 million.

“It is our main goal, but we may have to deal with some of our local issues first, such as a poor pedestrian crossings and unpaved roads,” said Subramani.

He received the cheque from Hannah Yeoh during a simple ceremony.

The Subang Jaya state lawmaker said the donation was inclusive of RM2,000 from her allocation, while the rest was from the state.

Photo courtesy of SJ Echo

Indiscriminate parking along Jalan SS16/1

2011-10-25T00:28:00.001+08:00

Traffic snarl worsened by Empire blast

Selangor Times Writer: Brenda Ch'ng

At the press conference together with residents of Saujana Residency at Jalan ss16/1

SUBANG JAYA: Daily traffic gridlock at apartments next to Empire Shopping Gallery has become worse since the explosion, and residents are urging the municipality to act.

“It takes me close to an hour to get from Carrefour to my home at Saujana Residency, a short stretch measuring about 400 meters,” said Saujana Residency joint management body( JMB) chairperson Marcus Tan.

Tan, who has been living there for more then a year, said the traffic situation is getting from bad to worse.

The situation was exacerbated after the main junction leading to the mall was closed due to the gas-leak explosion on Wednesday (Sept 28).

As a result, there is now more indiscriminate parking on Jalan SS16/1. “Yesterday alone, I did a rough count, and there were about 200 to 300 illegally parked vehicles here,” said Tan.

He said many letters and complaints have been sent and made to the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ), but to no avail.

“There are actually numerous empty carpark lots at Subang Parade, which is just across the road, but people just don’t want to pay the fee,” Tan said.

To make matters worse, three to four buses are parked along the one-lane road right behind Carrefour, making it hard for vehicles to manoeuvre past without obstructing traffic coming from the opposite direction.

Motorists are also seen making illegal Uturns near the entrance to the Subang Commuter station, and also at the traffic light between Subang Parade and Carrefour on Jalan SS16/2.

Delivery vehicles, waiting taxis and shoppers also tend to park their vehicles at Carrefour’s side entrance (SS16/2), turning the two-lane road into a singlelane.

To solve the problem, Tan has proposed for MPSJ to study the traffic situation and turn Jalan SS16/1 into a one-way road.

He said MPSJ’s enforcement officers should also be proactive and tow illegally parked vehicles.

“I agree with Tan that something serious has got to be done by the council immediately to rectify the traffic situation here,” said Subang Jaya assemblyperson Hannah Yeoh.

Yeoh urged council officers to have a sense of urgency when reviewing the proposal and in making SS16/1 a one-way road.

“Making the road a one-way street is not difficult, and it doesn’t incur much cost on the council either. So I see no reason why traffic changes cannot be done immediately,” she said.

She also wants MPSJ to patrol the area more often, especially during peak hours, and tow away illegally parked vehicles.

“I’ve been told by MPSJ that they have issued 976 summonses last month for this road alone, but with the many cars still illegally parking, I don’t think summonses alone are effective anymore,” she said.

Subsequently, MPSJ has agreed to patrol the area more often and tow vehicles away after an hour’s notice.

“First we will give warning via the loudspeaker asking them to move their vehicles. If they don’t, we will issue summonses after half an hour.

“If they still don’t move after one hour, tow trucks will be contacted and vehicles towed away immediately,” said the council’s enforcement assistant director, Ainol Salnee Salim.

Since last week, MPSJ has towed away about 10 cars daily from the area.

All cars towed will be brought to a site in USJ 3A, where vehicle owners will have to pay a minimum fee of RM200 before their vehicles are released.

“If records show they have outstanding summonses from the past, they will also have to clear their debt before their vehicles are returned,” Ainol said.

Press Statement By Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng

2011-10-18T14:32:00.001+08:00

Press Statement By Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng In Kuala Lumpur On 18.10.2011.

UMNO Should Act Against Those Trying To Wreck The Life Of My Young Son With Cruel And Barbaric Lies Just To Finish Me Off Politically To Prove That UMNO Is Not A 3D Party That Employs Desperate Dangerous And Dirty Tactics.
----------------------------

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had declared during the Gerakan National Delegates Conference two days ago that BN had not given up on Penang and will go all out to recapture the state from Pakatan Rakyat. Following those Najib’s declaration of intent, we see pro-UMNO blogs and some UMNO leaders carrying out a serial campaign in the internet to systematically not only character assasinate me but also cruelly dragging in my young 16 year old son with their lies.

My wife and I are furious that pro-UMNO blogs and some UMNO leaders have made or perpetuated false allegations against my young son of criminal wrongdoing. My family and I deplore these lies and fabrications against my young son as morally despicable and barbaric. UMNO should act against those trying to wreck the life of my young son with cruel and barbaric lies just to finish me off politically to prove that UMNO is not a 3D party that employs desperate, dangerous and dirty tactics just to cling on and retain power at any cost.

My son had transferred to St Xavier Institution in Penang from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Cina Heng Yee because I had promised him that he could transfer to the school of his choice if he scored at least 6As in his PMR. When he achieved that, he was transferred at the beginning of the school term this year in January 2011. My son wanted to go to St Xavier because he did not want to have his hair crew-cut as is required for Heng Yee students but wanted to keep his hair longer.

In this modern world, it is difficult for a young kid growing up, especially so when his father is a Chief Minister targeted daily by the pro-BN media. For a young kid growing up, to be maligned in such a beastly and cruel fashion publicly is unacceptable and inhumane.

My son is very shaken up by these lies. He has also not gone back to school for two days. I feel sad and that I am not able to protect my young son from these pro-UMNO ferocious beasts.

I urge these ferocious pro-UMNO beasts not to prey on the innocence of my young children. If you want to finish me off, do your worst to me but leave my innocent children alone. UMNO politicians have children too and DAP have never gone for their children and do not intend to so.

Amongst some UMNO leaders who highligted this shameful episode in the blogs is Bukit Gelugor(Penang) UMNO Division vice-chairman Dr Novandri Hasan Basri. He was then followed by many UMNO leaders rehashing the lies. Sadly even UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaludin joined in these shameful lies by poking fun at my son with this tweet:-

@Khairykj Khairy Jamaluddin

@PapaGomo Mungkin dia roboh Kampung Buah Pala sebab nak ganti dengan Kampung Buah Dada.

http://twitter.com/#!/Khairykj/status/125841671102529536

I hope those poking fun and spreading lies at my young son can look at themselves in the mirror as a father and ask whether they want their own child to suffer the trauma of such lies. My family and I reserve the right to take any further action to protect my family. In the meantime, my wife and I will try to heal my young son and pray that he will recover from having his innocence so cruelly destroyed by these pro-UMNO beasts.

- LIM GUAN ENG

Deepavali joy for 33 families

2011-10-17T02:12:00.004+08:00

Article in Selangor Times

By Brenda Ch'ng

SUBANG JAYA: Thirty-three families, including single mums, received Deepavali goodie bags worth RM100 each to help them celebrate the upcoming festival of lights.

The women each received a saree along with essential household items including cooking oil, sugar, rice flour and soap powder.

The annual event to help the needy was organised by Hindu Sangam Bandar Sunway, and was held last Saturday.

Subang Jaya assemblyperson Hannah Yeoh was present to distribute the goodie bags to the women.

“I feel so blessed to receive these for the festive season as now I can use my money to buy other things like meat and fish,” said PJS7 resident Ammasi Maruphamutu.

The 65-year-old said it usually costs her about RM500 to cook for her whole family of eight children and numerous grandchildren.

Living with her recently widowed daughter and grandchild, Ammasi said she relies on assistance from Hindu associations and Yeoh no less than three times a year, to cope with the rising cost of living.

Ammasi was among the families from Subang SS13 and SS19, USJ1 Angsana and Sunway PJS7 flats.

“I took a bus here all the way from USJ 1. Although it is far, it’s definitely a worthwhile trip,” said single mother Mariammah Alakamalai, who also receives assistance several times a year.

With three children to raise, she pointed out that every little bit helps.

The 32-year-old factory worker said the RM100 in cooking essentials is the best thing she could have asked for during this festive season.

“Now with the extra money, I can even get a cake for my children as a special treat for them,” she said.

“All goodies given away today were thoughtful donations by the public, and all we did was organise this event to distribute it to these women,” said Hindu Sangam Bandar Sunway chairperson Thavamani Mogan.

Thavamani, 54, said over RM3,000 worth of donations were received by the organisation, and she is thankful for all the contributions.

“We are holding the event for the third year and we hope to continue this in the years ahead,” she said.

Yeoh added: “We have been partnering with Hindu Sangam since 2008 and I hope this continues.”

She said her office has also pledged RM3,000 to help pay for the tent, sound system, food and other expenditure.

With the ladies and their brand new saree

Dance It!

2011-08-29T01:37:00.000+08:00

Dance It Workshop

Day 1, September 3rd
Time: 8.30am-6.00pm
Venue: Urban Groove Dance Academy
Address: SUBANG JAYA (TAIPAN BUSINESS CENTRE)
No:7, 2nd Floor, USJ10/1C
47610 Subang Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia.Open to ages: 7-35 years

A dance workshop conducted by professional dance instructors that have years of experience in the dance scene. Come join us and learn exciting new moves and dance tips to improve your swagger from these professional instructors. Yes, it is completely FREE! Come with your friends and family.

Dance It Competition

Day 2, September 4th
Time: 2.30pm-5.30pm
Venue: Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall
Event: Dance It Competition!

Grand Prize: RM 3000
First runner up: RM 2000
Second runner up: RM 1000

Compete as a team or as an individual to stand a chance to win lucrative cash prizes.

*AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD ON THE 3RD SEPTEMBER (AFTER THE WORKSHOP).

To register, find the links on our Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=257375934272550

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us at 017 211 3550

A Community event organised in collaboration with MPSJ

My interview with BBC

2011-08-26T12:32:00.003+08:00

WATCH: First-time politician Hannah Yeoh wants to work against the race-based politics she feels are entrenched in the national psyche

Working Lives: Malaysia

Hannah Yeoh, 32, is a first-time politician with the Democratic Action Party (DAP) in Selangor state.

Before she was elected into office Ms Yeoh says she was the typical working Malaysian, disillusioned with the country's politics and griping about wages not keeping up with inflation.

A friend encouraged Ms Yeoh to stop complaining and register to vote. A few months later she was asked to run for a seat in the General Elections of 2008.

Ms Yeoh's first election turned out to be a historic one. The opposition coalition of which the DAP is a member ended up taking power in a few states and denied the governing party its two-thirds majority in Parliament for the first time in nearly four decades.

Suddenly change was in the air. As an ethnic Chinese, Ms Yeoh says she wants to work against race-based politics that she says is entrenched in the national psyche.

This affects even civic basics like birth certificates, which now require the race of a child to be declared. Ms Yeoh and her husband, an ethnic Indian, are trying to challenge that by registering their newborn baby's race as Malaysian.

Their application was rejected but Ms Yeoh says she will continue to appeal.

Watch the video interview here

The full version will air on August 27th.

Working Lives Malaysia will be shown in full on BBC World News on Saturday 27th August at 0030, 0730, 1930 GMT and on Sunday 28th August at 1230 GMT.

Article in komunitikini on SJCC

2011-08-25T01:54:00.002+08:00

Sime Darby’s Subang Jaya City Centre project gets council waiver

The MPSJ monthly full board meeting was embroiled in a verbal tussle today when councillors deliberated an approval granted to the Subang Jaya City Centre project owner, Sime Darby.

Councillor Rajiv Rishyakaran noted that Subang Jaya assemblywoman Hannah Yeoh had yet to peruse the new traffic circulation plan proposed by Sime Darby when the council’s One Stop Center (OSC) committee had approved it.

Sime Darby presented the plan to Yeoh two weeks ago, seeking a waiver of a condition that requires it to build a flyover in its SS16 project site, and pledged to replace it with some other traffic measures.

Yeoh, in reply, asked for a copy of the proposal and promised to give her feedback in a week.

Hence, Rishyakaran (right) cried foul that OSC should not have waived the condition from Sime Darby without Yeoh’s consent.

“I hope we can withhold the decision until Yeoh studies the case,” he said.

Council president, Asmawi Kasbi, however defended the move, saying that the developer had already proved that building a flyover is technically impossible on the site.

“The flyover will cross paths with the LRT extension,” he said, adding that MPSJ will explore alternatives.

Rishyakaran then urged the council to take the issue seriously, as Ikram (Public Works Institute of Malaysia) has warned that traffic conditions in SS16 will deteriorate to F-class should there be unbridled development in the area.

Councillor Ismail Kamal Abdul Raman also asked the OSC to defer the approval, but Asmawi (right) finally passed it.

SJCC is a 13.75 acres integrated development with shophouses, apartments, LRT station and office blocks.

Sime Darby was initially asked to build a flyover between Persiaran Jengka and Persiaran Kemajuan and two roundabouts as the conditions imposed for the project’s approval.

Talking to Komunitikini later, Rishyakaran said there was no reason for the council to have rushed in waiving the condition.

“If you exclude the condition now, you can’t add on another later,” he said.

“Now it’s too late; we got nothing to bargain with Sime Darby already,” he added.

Ceramah this Friday

2011-08-24T15:34:00.000+08:00

Admission is free, come join us!

Maternity Leave

2011-05-31T15:06:00.000+08:00

Dear all,

I will be on maternity leave beginning tomorrow. My special assistant, Mr Rajiv Rishyakaran will be assisting me during this period and he can be contacted at 012-3111585 or email rajiv@dapsj.com for any urgent matters.

For any other administrative matters such as signing of documents, appointment for future events, allocation application, Selangor government programs, you may continue to liaise with my private secretary Ms Debbie Phang at my office which will continue to operate as usual:

Pejabat ADUN Subang Jaya
24A, 1st Floor, Jalan SS14/1A
47500 Subang Jaya
Tel : 03 5631 2768
Fax: 03 5631 2757

Opening hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday : 1pm to 7pm
Thursday nights : 8pm to 10pm

Thank you

Next Sunday 15 May 2011

2011-05-07T06:58:00.000+08:00

This is the Ceramah Perdana organised by DAP USJ Subang Jaya. Do come and be updated with the latest in the political scene. Would greatly appreciate your support and please share it with your friends. Admission is FREE. See you there!

Decision on Telekom's land in USJ 6

2011-05-07T06:44:00.001+08:00

Appeal Board upholds Telekom's rights

By Gan Pei Ling of Selangor Times

SHAH ALAM: It was a bittersweet day for residents of USJ 6 when the Selangor Appeals Board decided to uphold Telekom Bhd’s right to develop its 0.35-hectare utility reserve land yesterday.

While the telecommunications company is now allowed to continue with its development, three conditions imposed upon them will reduce the size and nature of the development to ensure that traffic conditions in the area will not be severely impacted.

Telekom had initially proposed to construct a nine-storey commercial tower in a development undertaken by TM Facilities and Pujangga Budiman in a joint venture.

But conditions set by the board have ensured that the development is no higher than the existing five-storey Telekom building located in the same area.

“The building shall not be higher than the existing Telekom building [in USJ 6],” said board member Ho Khong Ming.

The board ruled that the developer must also reduce the size and height of the building as traffic on most roads in USJ 6 is already congested, according to a 2008 Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) report.

In addition, Ho said: “The development shall only be for offices, and no part of the development can be used for commercial purposes that would attract more traffic than offices.”

He said retail outlets, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels and cinemas are not permitted. Thirdly, the developer must adopt the TIA’s suggestions to improve traffic conditions in the area and adhere to any additional conditions imposed by the local council.

Two other Appeals Board members, Datuk Abu Bakar Awang and Datuk Azmeer Rashid, were also present.

The board also said the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) should issue a public apology over its blunder in designating the land as a field in its draft local plan before changing the land’s status to “commercial” without public consultation.

Subang Jaya assemblyperson Hannah Yeoh said they will consult Gobind Singh Deo, who is the lawyer representing the residents, to consider the possibility of a judicial review.

MPSJ had twice rejected the developer’s application to sub-divide the utility reserve land for development in its full board meetings in November 2005 and February 2006.

However, the local council gave conditional approval for the project in 2008 before the TIA was completed. The residents filed an appeal against the project in 2009.

Due to public protest, MPSJ revoked its development order in 2009, but the revocation is legally void as it was never endorsed by the State Planning Committee.

Subsequently, MPSJ councillors and its then president Datuk Adnan Md Ikshan cancelled the revocation in an ad-hoc meeting in April 2010.

However, the Appeals Board’s decision to allow commercial development on utility reserve land is expected to have far-reaching consequences for similar cases in Selangor.

Yeoh said the precedent would now apply to other cases in Petaling Jaya, Serdang and other areas.

Meanwhile, residents who were present yesterday expressed their disappointment over the Appeals Board’s decision.

“We’re the ones who will be directly affected by the development and the worsening traffic conditions,” said resident Philip Song, 49.

-----------------------------------------

I have been pursuing this case together with the residents of USJ 6 since 2008. Three (3) years later, we now have a decision by the Appeals Board. 3 conditions imposed by the Appeals Board:

(1) traffic condition has to be improved

(2) size of project must be reduced, must not exceed the size of current Telekom building on the land

(3) for office use only

Next step : YB Gobind Singh Deo, our lawyer representing the residents is considering the possibility of a judicial review. I want to thank both lawyers Gobind Singh and Haijan for voluntarily assisting the residents in the last 2 years.

As the State Assemblyman of this area, I will continue to fight against unsustainable development in the already "overdeveloped" township of Subang Jaya.

Focus on the family

2011-04-23T01:07:00.002+08:00

This month, my focus turns to families. Focus on the Family Malaysia, a smart partner of the National Population & Family Development Board (LPPKN) approached my office and asked if I was keen to participate in their Couple Checkup program. This Couple Checkup (details of which you can find in the column below) is now made available to residents of DUN Subang Jaya for free!! (the ordinary price is RM60 per couple). I am once again channelling the state allocation provided by the Selangor State Government for programs in Subang Jaya back to the people. It is my hope that married couples would seize this opportunity to participate in this program. The Checkup report would be given to each couple to assist them in improving and enriching their marriage.

Marriage is the oldest and most sanctified institution in our society. Subang Jaya residents are often busy with work, activities for their children and friends. Sometimes these can cause stress on our marriages. I am married too, so I understand the demands of work which can subtly come in between husband and wife. When marriages are healthy and fulfilling, we become more productive in our work and our children will be blessed. A stressed marriage can have negative impact on our children.

I am constantly finding ways to improve the lifestyle of residents in this constituency. Whilst MPSJ focuses on improving infrastructure facilities, I hope to play my part in improving the areas less talked about (which are equally important to a thriving neighbourhood).

So please make full use of these benefits, limited to first 100 married couples only. You will need to sign up at my office (both husband and wife). Addresses must be verified to confirm that you’re a resident in this constituency and then collect a voucher which provides the password for the test to be done. You will be given private space to do this test in my office. Contact person is my assistant, Debbie Phang - debbie@dapsj.com

Whether you’re newly married or will be celebrating your 50^th wedding anniversary, this test will benefit you! Suitable for all races.

Details of spending for RM500,000 allocation

2011-04-20T01:16:00.000+08:00

Just like the previous 2 years (2008) and (2009), we are now publishing the details of our spending for RM500,000 allocation for 2010. You may click here to read the details.

This yearly allocation granted by the Selangor State Government for each constituency is to be used by the State Assemblyman for grants, programs and expenses for constituents and the running of the State Assemblyman's office.

All applications are submitted to the Petaling Land Office for approval and also audit. If you wish to view the receipts and photographs for any of the grants given and programs organised, kindly contact my assistant Debbie Phang for an appointment during our opening hours.

We believe in being accountable and transparent to the constituents of Subang Jaya. Afterall, this is all about managing and being responsible with taxpayers' funds. I have reiterated this many times and will do it again this time : taxpayers' funds must go back to taxpayers for their benefit.

Zairil Khir Johari speaks

2011-04-19T23:46:00.000+08:00

Kenyataan balas terhadap dakwaan Dr Mahathir — Zairil Khir Johari

April 19, 2011

19 APRIL — Saya berasa amat kesal dan kecewa dengan kenyataan terbaru Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad yang mendakwa bahawa parti DAP telah berjaya membawa politik perkauman kepada Sarawak. Tuduhan sedemikian adalah tidak bertanggungjawab dan tidak berasas sama sekali.

Sebaliknya, adalah sindiran-sindiran yang sebegitu rupa yang menjadi punca ketegangan antara kaum di Malaysia. Sebagai seorang bekas Perdana Menteri dan negarawan yang dihormati ramai, beliau sepatutnya lebih matang dan tidak mengapi-apikan tohmahan yang boleh memecah belahkan rakyat.

Sebagai seorang yang telah terlibat secara terperinci dalam proses perancangan, perangkaan strategi dan pelaksanaan kempen DAP untuk Pilihanraya Negeri Sarawak baru-baru ini, saya boleh mengesahkan dengan tegasnya bahawa tiada sedikit pun unsur perkauman yang cuba dibangkitkan oleh parti kami.

Sepanjang kempen, isu-isu yang telah kami tekankan adalah seperti masalah pentadbiran, penyalahgunaan kuasa, rasuah yang berleluasa, polisi ekonomi yang tidak memanfaatkan rakyat, inflasi yang kian melambung dan kegagalan kerajaan untuk mengatasi masalah-masalah di atas.

Mungkin dalam pendapat Tun Dr Mahathir, hanya masyarakat Cina sahaja yang mengambil berat tentang isu-isu sedemikian? Bukankah itu satu penghinaan kepada rakyat Sarawak dan rakyat Malaysia secara umumnya?

Sebaliknya, pihak yang telah cuba menakut-nakutkan pengundi dengan isu-isu perkauman adalah parti-parti daripada BN seperti SUPP, PBB dan MCA.

Namun, rakyat Sarawak telah membuktikan kematangan mereka kerana tidak termakan umpan bersifat parokial seperti dakwaan bahawa “masyarakat Cina” akan kehilangan perwakilan dalam kerajaan jika wakil-wakil Cina daripada BN tidak berjaya dalam pilihanraya.

Seperti yang sudah sedia maklum, keputusan pilihanraya jelas menunjukkan bahawa rakyat Sarawak menolak sama sekali unsur-unsur politik perkauman dan sebaliknya inginkan wakil-wakil yang memperjuangkan keadilan dan kebenaran!

Tambahan pula, kenaikan undi yang diperolehi parti DAP bukan hanya daripada satu kaum tertentu. Dalam kawasan-kawasan seperti Meradong, Dudong dan Kirudong, kejayaan kami adalah hasil tambahan undi kaum Dayak yang cukup memberangsangkan. Di Batu Kawah pula, kemenangan DAP di situ tidak mungkin akan berlaku tanpa undi-undi orang Melayu/Melanau yang telah meningkat dalam sokongannya terhadap DAP.

Hakikatnya, saya yakin bahawa Tun Dr Mahathir sedar dan memahami dinamik politik di negeri Sarawak dan juga di seluruh negara. Namun disebabkan motivasi politik, beliau mimilih untuk memainkan sentiment sempit perkauman untuk menjaga kepentingan BN. Sekali lagi, rakyat boleh melihat dengan sendiri bagaimana pemimpin-pemimpin BN akan menggunakan taktik pecah dan perintah untuk mengekalkan kuasa mereka.

Sebagai pengakhir kata, saya ingin mencadangkan satu pepatah bahasa Inggeris: “If you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all.” Jika anda tidak mempunyai apa-apa yang bernas untuk dikatakan, usahlah meluahkan walau sekata.

* Zairil Khir Johari adalah Setiausaha Politik kepada YAB Lim Guan Eng, Setiausaha Agung DAP.

Warming up to fire safety measures

2011-04-15T02:23:00.000+08:00

Warming up to fire safety measures

NST - 12 April 2011

SUBANG JAYA: Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh has called on the Subang Jaya Municipal Council and the Subang Jaya Fire and Rescue Department to discuss the possibility of encouraging new housing developments to install fire prevention equipment in homes in the future.

Speaking after launching Rakan Bomba III on Sunday, Yeoh said it was important that a consensus be reached between both parties as there are no guidelines to make it compulsory to have such fire fighting equipment in residential homes.

"Currently, there are no guidelines in the council and they are only relying on the representatives from the department that sits in the One-Stop Centre meetings to endorse a development or otherwise. The council and department do not regulations which make it mandatory for residential homes to have fire fighting equipment like an extinguisher.

"The department does not have authority either, so they can't go into houses to carry out checks. I will get both parties to discuss this matter further," she said.

Yeoh said she had written to the Housing and Local Government Ministry few months ago requesting for a mobile fire brigade to be stationed in the USJ area.

She said it was vital that a mobile fire brigade to be allocated to the area as the nearest fire and rescue department is in SS17.

With the vehicle and the fire fighting equipment, Yeoh said the mobile fire brigade could respond to a distress call quicker and work on putting out the fire first while waiting for assistance from the Fire and Rescue department.

"There is an industrial area in USJ and when there is a fire in a factory, the damage can be substantial and a mobile fire brigade can help to alleviate the situation.

"I am still waiting for a favourable reply from the ministry," she said, adding that the vehicle could be stationed in the Subang Jaya Municipal Council headquarters in USJ 5.

The Petaling Fire and Rescue Department head Ahmad Fisal Ahyat, who was present at the launch, was agreeable to an earlier suggestion of setting up of a voluntary fire brigade in Subang Jaya, adding that it could help save lives and property.

"We will be ready to render any help to the volunteers," he said.

Yeoh, who also supported the suggestion of a volunteer fire brigade, said Subang Jaya residents were ready to take on the challenge of starting the voluntary fire brigade.

"This is an avenue for our young adults to contribute to the community. It is a healthy activity which will benefit the volunteers as well. I will help to make it a reality," she said.

The SS17 Fire and Rescue Department head Mohd Khairi Daud, who was transferred from Alor Gajah, Malacca, said he looked forward to engaging the community in fire fighting and prevention initiatives.

"I look forward to working closely with residents' associations in this constituency, to teach them to use fire extinguishers in emergencies, and to identify potential fire hazards."

He said it was important for residents to report on faulty fire hydrants without delay for the department to fix the faulty on the same day.

Rakan Bomba III, which started in 2009, is an awareness initiative to bring the Subang Jaya folk and the department closer.

Highlight for the children - learning to use the fire extinguisher!

The Rakan Bomba III held at the Subang Ria Park featured a water rescue at the lake, a demonstration by the department's K9 unit which uses dogs and their handlers in search and rescue operations as well as fire fighting techniques.

It attracted more than 100 participants and visitors.

All photos courtesy of SJ Echo

Syabas' explanation & residents' responses

2011-04-11T22:36:00.004+08:00

Why Syabas can't give prior notice

NST : 2011/04/06

KUALA LUMPUR: No prior notices will be issued for unscheduled water disruption, says Syabas corporate affairs division executive director Abdul Halem Mat Som.

In a statement sent by Syabas late Tuesday evening, Abdul Halem said the recent water disruption that affected over 9,000 Subang Jaya households was due to an unscheduled water disruption.

He said it was not within the company's standard operating procedure to issue immediate notices when there is an unscheduled disruption in water supply. Whereas, the company is obliged to issue a seven-day notice prior to a scheduled water disruption date.

"The alerts will be sent to the media as well as to Yakin (Unit Kerjasama Informasi Pelanggan) which is under the Customer Services Department. Our Industrial Customer Unit will also be notified, so consumer will be prepared and have time to store water prior to the scheduled water disruption."

In an earlier statement issued late Saturday, Syabas said the disruption was due to the receding water levels at Effingham, Bukit Gasing and Subang Airport ponds.

Halem said Syabas also faced difficulties filling up the affected ponds as the level of water was at its lowest point and consumer usage was at maximum capacity.

"We had acted swiftly by activating the Emergency Action Plan on Saturday at 3.30pm which included deploying water trucks to the affected areas both in Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya. The next day, the water demands had lessened and we managed to restore the supply."

He said the water supply is in a dire strait as usage in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya is very high. "We urge the Government to develop an alternative source of water supply to meet the escalating needs."

Residents not happy with reason for not announcing water disruption

By Dawn Chan

NST : 2011/04/07

KUALA LUMPUR: Subang Jaya Residents Association (SJRA) chairman A.S. Gill has described the water disruption incident as unacceptable.

"The announcement could have been made as they must have known that the water level was dropping.

"I am not sure if the reason given for not announcing the disruption is acceptable. SJRA members are extremely upset and would like somebody from Syabas to take responsibility. That would be the honourable thing to do," he said.

Echoing Gill, was SS152 and SS15/3 Residents Association chairman Borhan Rahmat.

He said it was unacceptable that Syabas did not alert the residents over water shortage as part of their standard operating procedure (SOP).

"Syabas is a privatised and a commercial house and holds the monopoly, so they should be responsible and sending out alerts has to be made part of their SOP.

"It is their duty to advise the residents so that the latter will be prepared for the situation. Not notifying the residents is unacceptable and the unscheduled water disruption alert should be made part of their key performance index," Borhan said.

He said Syabas should always ensure that the water levels at their reservoirs are sufficient. It was a surprise to Borhan to learn that the supply had receded when it had rained heavily a few days before the disruption.

"Logically, can water supply in a large reservoir recede in a matter of hours? It would take at least a few days for that to happen. Didn't Syabas realise this?" he asked.

Borhan, however, was one of the lucky callers to get through Syabas's 24-hour toll free hotline, Puspel, but his neighbours were not as fortunate as him.

SS19/1 Residents Association secretary Mohamad Noh Samik said although it was an unscheduled water disruption, Syabas should have informed the residents in whatever way deemed appropriate.

"I had no answers and I called the hotline six times on Saturday but each time I was put on hold for about 10 minutes before the line was cut off. Syabas should have been more pro-active and tell the public the situation.

"Maybe it is not their fault but it is their obligation to keep the residents informed.

"This is common courtesy. The incident would have been more forgivable if we got answers through the hotline," said Mohamad Noh.

Syabas, he added, could have taken the step to inform SJ Alert, which in turn would have disseminated information through its short messaging service.

There were other alternatives such as Twitter and Facebook as well, said Mohamad Noh.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh said Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has summoned Syabas to the next Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES) to answer three questions:

-Why wasn't there an alert when water level at these 3 reservoirs dropped?

-Why didn't consumers receive any notice (prior to and during disruption)?

-What happened to Puspel's call centre and what is its call-handling capacity especially during a crisis?

Yeoh said the Selangor state government has been making attempts to restructure the water industry in Selangor but has received no favourable response from Syabas.

Speaking to Streets yesterday, Yeoh said, "We'll wait for the next MTES sitting as the state exco has announced, based on reports in March, that there was no water shortage problem."

Water disruption in Subang Jaya

2011-04-03T19:10:00.003+08:00

SS12 to SS19 Subang Jaya experienced water disruption in the last few days. When residents' calls to Puspel (Syabas' Customer Service) went unanswered, my office was flooded with calls from residents. Residents from these affected areas informed me that there was no prior notice by Syabas on the water disruption. My office and I then made attempts to contact Syabas for information.

As my office continued to receive calls from residents, we found that many were unsure as to who is responsible for the operations and service of Syabas. We had to explain that Syabas is a privatised company and it has its duty to inform its own customers. However, due to the critical nature of this disruption, I had to step in and assist residents in obtaining timely information. I immediately contacted one of the Executive Directors of Syabas who promised to look into the matter. Due to lack of information and response from Syabas towards residents' calls, I assisted to provide updates from Syabas via Twitter as and when I received them.

While awaiting water supply to be restored, I requested for water tankers to be deployed to these affected areas. I was told as of 9pm last night (Sat Apr 2nd), 10 tankers made a total of 32 trips to various parts of Subang Jaya as and when requested by residents via Puspel.

Today (Sun Apr 3rd), I understand from Syabas and residents that water supply has been restored. This water disruption was caused by a decrease in water level at 3 reservoirs in Effingham, Bukit Gasing and Subang Airport and has affected water distribution to 9000 customer accounts.

I have also informed the Menteri Besar of Selangor YAB Tan Sri Dato' Seri Khalid Ibrahim on this matter and these are the following issues which I will pursue with Syabas following this incident:

why wasn't there an alert when water level at these 3 reservoirs dropped?
why didn't consumers receive any notice (prior to and during disruption)?
what happened to Puspel's call centre and what is its call-handling capacity especially during a crisis?

For those who are not aware, the Selangor State Government has been making attempts to restructure the water industry in Selangor but has received no favourable response from Syabas. For more details on this effort - kindly visit www.airuntukrakyat.net.

Press release by Menteri Besar on Taman Subang Ria (26 March 2011)

2011-03-27T06:44:00.001+08:00

Outcome of meeting with Menteri Besar on 26 March 2011 at MPSJ with Subang Jaya residents:

KENYATAAN AKHBAR

26 MAC 2011

KERAJAAN SELANGOR BATAL CADANGAN PEMBANGUNAN KOMERSIL DI TAMAN SUBANG RIA

Kerajaan Selangor hari ini memulakan proses membatalkan rancangan pembangunan komersil di tapak seluas 19 ekar (7.6 hektar) di Taman Subang Ria yang dimasukkan dalam Rancangan Tempatan Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya (MPSJ) 2020.

Keputusan ini dibuat setelah Kerajaan Selangor mengambil kira rintihan dan bantahan sebahagian besar penduduk Subang Jaya serta pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) yang berkaitan.

Tambah pula, usaha mencari penyelesaian terbaik bersama Sime Darby tidak mendapat kerjasama dari syarikat tersebut.

Selepas diteliti secara perinci syarat-syarat rancangan tempatan, didapati kawasan seluas 19 ekar yang dicadangkan itu tidak sepatutnya dibangunkan untuk pembangunan komersil.

Sehubungan itu, selepas proses ini, rancangan pembangunan komersil di tapak seluas 19 ekar akan dikeluarkan dari Rancangan Tempatan Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya (MPSJ) 2020, bermula hari ini.

Dengan pembatalan rancangan pembangunan ini, seluruh kawasan Taman Subang Ria seluas lebih 70 ekar akan dikekalkan untuk kegunaan rekreasi.

TAN SRI ABDUL KHALID IBRAHIM
DATO' MENTERI BESAR SELANGOR

MB to meet Subang Jaya residents

2011-03-22T19:12:00.000+08:00

Please be informed that the Menteri Besar of Selangor Tan Sri Dato' Seri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim would like to meet residents of DUN Subang Jaya this Saturday at 3:00pm in MPSJ's Laman Kenanga (same floor as the lobby). Purpose of the brief meeting is to provide an update to the residents on efforts made by the taskforce appointed by State Government.

DUN Subang Jaya residents are invited to attend.

Telekom land in USJ 6

2011-03-17T01:07:00.001+08:00

Article from The Star : Worst traffic rating but still acceptable, says consultant

At the press conference with YB Gobind Singh, YB Khalid Samad and YB Loh Gwo Burne

THE Selangor Appeals Board hearing over the USJ 6 Telekom Malaysia land issue last Friday raised eyebrows when a traffic consultant said a development project can continue even though traffic in some of its surrounding areas was rated ‘F’.

Traffic consultant Amir Hamlan Abdullah from AZ Traffic Management Consult, who was engaged by the land vendor and developer, defended his traffic impact assessment (TIA) report done in 2008.

He told the Appeals Board it was still acceptable for the development project to continue even though most of the junctions were rated ‘F’.

The F rating is described as ‘saturated traffic’ at its worst.

“I agree that by 2020, the area will be a mess and most of the junctions will be at levels E and F,” he said when asked by lawyer Gobind Singh Deo who represents the residents who are appellants in this case.

When questioned by Gobind, the consultant said the number of cars generated from the project would not be high and hence will not have a big impact on the roads.

Also in attendance current MPSJ councillor for USJ 6, Rajiv Rishyakaran

“As roads in this area will reach saturation point, the additional traffic will be diverted elsewhere. This traffic problem can also be tackled and improved with public transportation when the LRT comes into Subang Jaya, USJ and Puchong,” said the consultant.

The TIA and traffic impact on surrounding neighbourhood were topics heavily deliberated and heard by the board comprising president Datuk Abu Bakar Awang and members Ho Khong Ming and Datuk Azmeer Rashid.

The appellant in this case is resident Lee Wan Nam while the respondent is the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) and interverners being TM Facilities Sdn Bhd and Pujangga Budiman Sdn Bhd, who are the land vendor and developer respectively.

Residents are challenging the State Planning Committee and MPSJ’s approval for the proposed development of one block of nine-storey commercial block with two floors of sub-basement carpark in November 2008.

The residents also contend the land was designated as a Telekom exchange or utility reserve but land vendor TM Facilities has since sold it to the developer for commercial purposes.

Earlier, USJ 11 resident Dr Leong Choon Heng who is also the head of transportation and logistics programme for the Malaysia University of Science of Technology in Kelana Jaya from 2002 to 2010, was called in as witness.

“Based on the TIA report, I opine the conclusions made do not reflect the data that is being collected.

“There are internal inconsistencies in the report and I am of the opinion the proposed construction can only make the surroundings worse,” said Leong.

He contended that USJ 6 was already a mature residential neighbourhood and with the main road jammed up, more cars would be dispersed to neighbourhood streets.

“Small roads and parks will suffer the spillover effect in the form of increased cars that may be speeding.”

MPSJ legal department director Anita Abd Jalil then told Leong since he could not be considered a qualified professional, his own counter-report could only be taken as a public opinion.

“Do you know the MPSJ has approved for the main egress and ingress of the project to be at the main road and not the side road as not to affect the residential area?

“Also, the entire project is fenced up. Do you also know we approved the development based on the developer has provided more carpark spaces than what the council has expected?” she asked.

The lawyer representing the land developer and land vendor, Abu Bakar Jais, asked Leong if he agreed the details collected and reflected in the report is quite extensive and if it was a fair report.

Leong reiterated the conclusions made are inconsistent with the data collected, and said he only thinks it is fair in terms of the extensiveness of research and the methodologies used for the data collection.

Abu Bakar Jais said his client is providing 158 parking lots and the building is for use of office only.

Board president Abu Bakar said there will be a minimum 100 cars coming out of the building once ready, although not all at the same time.

“A backflow would be created because cars from inner roads will have to stop to give way to cars on the main road that are at a gridlock. There will be those that will find alternative side roads seeing the congestion on the main road.

“So the question is how do you stop outside drivers from going into the neighbourhood? And by then, will be level of service in this area be F+++?” he asked.

He also admitted the conclusions made are inconsistent with the data collected.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh, who sat in the proceedings, said she is disappointed with the State Planning Committee for not calling for an independent traffic study and chose to rely on the developer’s traffic study.

“In June 2008 when there was a public hearing on this project, the residents had asked for an independent traffic study to be conducted since they do not have resources on their own. However, they were not given one.

“The developer did its traffic report in September 2008 and in November, the project had been approved. The traffic report was only given to the residents in January 2009,” said Yeoh.

She said as the project is a conditional development, the residents were never notified the details of the conditions as they were dealt directly between MPSJ and developer.

The site is still under the title of Telekom although it had sold part of the land on a conditional sale to the developer.

Yeoh said in 2005 and 2006, MPSJ had ruled that the land cannot be subdivided purely because it is a Telekom reserve and questioned how a utility land can be sold.

This case has had a long history following the approval given in late 2008. The aggrieved residents filed an appeal in March 2009 and in October 2009. There was a revocation on the approval but it was not endorsed by the State Planning Committee.

However, the residents’ joy was shortlived as several MPSJ councillors and its then president Datuk Adnan Md Ikshan cancelled the revocation in an ad-hoc meeting on April 2010.

The hearing resumes on March 30.

Millennium Park comes alive every Wednesday and Saturday

2011-03-04T11:18:00.002+08:00

Article in The Star today

THE Millennium Park in SS13 Subang Jaya is coming back to life as people are now carrying out aerobics exercise there twice a week.

The exercise, conducted by professional trainers, started last July and is on Saturday mornings from 7.30am to 8am.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh, who initiated the programme, is extending it to an additional day on Wednesday night from 8pm to 8.30pm.

All ears: Yeoh (right) speaking to the residents after an aerobics session at the Millennium Park on Wednesday.

“I have funds from my allocation for this year’s programme and hopefully with this additional day, working people and the young can come after work to exercise,” said Yeoh on Wednesday during the exercise programme.

She said mostly senior citizens came on Saturday morning for the exercise.

She said not many young people attended the sessions and hoped the night programme would be more convenient for them.

“The Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) has also restored this area into a recreational space and installed lighting in October last year.

“The lights would make this site safer for people and hopefully after a year or two, the trees planted would have grown and provide shade,” said Yeoh.

Also present was MPSJ engineering department director Ismail Shafie who said the two flood lights installed at the site cost RM23,000.

The company conducting the exercise programme is Daily Muscle Athletic Consulting.

Its director and head coach, Noel Chelliah, said the exercise was suitable for all ages as it was a fun aerobics routine and not too intense.

“We want people to enjoy the exercise. We have between 30 and 50 people and sometime even more,” said Chelliah, adding that the instructors are also certified life savers who can perform first aid in an emergency.

Yeoh said some of the residents had brought up the need for the site to be brighter as the current lights were insufficient.

“I have discussed this with Ismail and we have agreed to install an additional light using my allocation.

“It will take at least one to two months as the tender has to be called for,” she said.

She added that she also learnt from Alam Flora that rubbish collection was being carried out every morning at 7am to keep the area clean.

“I wish to urge more residents, especially those staying nearby in SS12, SS13 and SS14, Subang Jaya, to join this exercise programme,” she added.

SS14 resident Evelyn Low said she started joining the activity in September last year.

“I am an exercise freak and this is a healthy pursuit to enjoy with my friends,” said Low, 60.

She said she had attended all the sessions. Before this she has not set foot on the park.

Another regular, B.A. Heng, from SS13, said exercising had improved his health as he previously had a high-cholesterol level.

Like Low, he had no reason to go to the site until he started joining the activity in July last year.

The park built and launched at the turn of the millennium in 2000 was the centre of controversy for being a white elephant.

It was underused and later abandoned despite the millions of ringgit used to build it.

Some of the ugly, artificial structures like metal palm trees and a bird plus concrete pillars were put up there but all these were torn down when MPSJ took back the land after a contract initially signed with a F&B operator to maintain and upgrade the park was terminated when nothing materialised after six years.

Real trees have since been planted at the park near the busy Kewajipan roundabout.

I am returning taxpayers' funds back to taxpayers for their benefit. No more multi million dollar white elephant projects like those initiated by the Barisan Nasional government. For comparison between then and now... please click here.

DAP USJ East Fundraising Dinner

2011-03-02T15:23:00.001+08:00

Dap USJ East branch will be organising their fundraising dinner this Saturday. Speakers include Dato' Teng Chang Khim, Anthony Loke, V. Sivakumar, Khalid Samad, Nik Nazmi. Zairil Khir Johari will also be there. For more details, kindly contact 016-9161535.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T16:04:00.003+08:00

As a Christian, I find the statement by JAIS reported in The Malaysian Insider misleading.

It was reported :

Jais pointed out that there were 257,411 births out of wedlock between 2000 and 2008, and blamed Valentine’s Day celebrations as one of the causes.

“Therefore every Muslim, especially teenagers, must abandon the tradition of celebrating Valentine’s Day, which was meant to corrupt the Muslim community,” it said.

“Remember that the Jews and Christians would continue to deceive Muslims. They will do everything undermine the Muslims’ belief and personality,” said the sermon.

I believe in proper and inspired education to tackle social ills and I respect the need for JAIS and for any other religious authority (as they deem fit) to instruct, teach and guide members of their faith. However, information if not given accurately is misinformation, and such misinformation coupled with ignorance will further divide Malaysians of different races and religions.

The two greatest commandments which all Christians are exhorted to live by are, firstly to love God with all our heart, soul and mind and secondly, to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. I encourage JAIS to consider engaging in honest dialogue with representatives of the Christian body in Malaysia as well as those of other faiths in order to collectively learn the differences of man-made traditions and Godly truths so as to avoid a recurrence of such attempt of gross misinformation.

Freak Accident

2011-02-10T17:43:00.002+08:00

photo courtesy of SJ Echo

News Article from SJ Echo : Freak Accident
Two foreigners die while another two admitted to hospital after they were extracted from sewage manhole

SUBANG JAYA: A Bangladeshi kitchen staff and a shopping mall Nepalese security guard who were found lying unconscious with two other foreigners in a shopping mall sewage manhole died from inhalation of fumes in what has been described by authorities as shocking.

Bangladeshi, Mohammed Momen whose age is unknown was found lying under the three other men slumped over him. Attempts to revive him failed.

Nepalese guard Balinath Tah, 33 whom authorities suspect had responded to the distress call from the two men succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital.

The freak accident has left authorities baffled on why Mohammed Momen and a yet unidentified colleague were in the manhole and how they lifted the manhole cover in broad daylight in the first place. Both were dressed in kitchen overalls.

Eye-witnesses who were first at the scene said they saw two security guards attached with the shopping mall in the manhole gasping for air when they looked into the open manhole.

A steel rod normally used to open roller shutters was found next to the manhole.

The Fire and Rescue Services Department who arrived at the scene immediately initiated attempts to extract the men from the manhole.

SS17 Fire and Rescue Services officer in charge assistant superintendent Ahamad Majid who was at the scene said when they arrived, they found the manhole open and upon checking found four men in the manhole.

"With personnel from SS17, Hazmat and Petaling Jaya, we extracted the men from the manhole and medical personnel immediately attended to them," Ahamad said.

Subang Jaya OCPD ACP Zainal Rashid Abu Bakar said police were investigating the incident to get to the bottom on why the men were in the manhole in the first place.

Subang Parade management spokesman said Subang Parade had no scheduled maintenance work for its manholes. We r concerned with the incident and have launched our own internal investigations on the matter. The matter is now being investigated with the authorities. We shall give our fullest cooperation to the authorities to get to the bottom of this.

S'gor pushes for auxiliary police force

2011-02-09T14:27:00.000+08:00

KENYATAAN AKHBAR

8 FEBRUARI 2011

_______________________________________________________________________

Kerajaan Persekutuan Perlu Terima Tawaran Kerajaan Negeri Untuk
Tubuhkan Pasukan Polis Bantuan

YAB Menteri Besar Selangor, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim menghantar surat kepada YB Menteri Dalam Negeri, Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein semalam yang meminta pihak kementerian mempertimbangkan permohonan Kerajaan Selangor untuk Menubuhkan Pasukan Polis Bantuan.

Surat ini adalah yang kedua dihantar YAB Menteri Besar selepas surat pertama yang dihantar kepada YAB Timbalan Perdana Menteri dan salinannya dihantar kepada YB Menteri Dalam Negeri pada Julai tahun lepas, tidak mendapat sebarang maklum balas.

Dalam surat kepada YB Menteri Dalam Negeri itu, YAB Menteri Besar menyatakan kebimbangan Kerajaan Negeri terhadap kadar jenayah yang semakin meningkat sehingga menimbulkan kebimbangan serius di kalangan rakyat Selangor, serta mengulangi hasrat kerajaan negeri untuk mengambil langkah konkrit demi menangani masalah ini.

“Saya menulis kepada YB Menteri Dalam Negeri supaya hasrat Kerajaan Selangor untuk menubuhkan Pasukan Polis Bantuan menjadi kenyataan. Keselamatan rakyat adalah keutamaan kerajaan negeri, dan tiada alasan munasabah mengapa kerajaan Persekutuan harus menolak tawaran kami untuk menyumbang sumber tenaga dalam usahasama menjaga keselamatan rakyat,” kata Menteri Besar.

Kerajaan Selangor pernah memohon kepada Kementerian Dalam Negeri untuk menubuhkan Pasukan Polis Bantuan dan Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) menjadi perintis, tetapi ditolak dengan alasan anggota polis mencukupi untuk mengawal keselamatan.

Bagaimanapun, dua kes yang terbaru di mana dua pegawal keselamatan ditetak di Damansara Perdana serta kes wanita hamil yang ditampar dan dirompak jelas membuktikan perlunya ada pasukan keselamatan tambahan untuk membantu polis mengawal keselamatan dan mencegah kejadian jenayah.

Niat Kerajaan Selangor ini murni iaitu menyediakan pasukan keselamatan bagi membantu dan melengkapi rutin harian anggota polis, bukannya mengambil alih tugas penguatkuasaan pasukan polis. Dengan peningkatan bilangan pasukan keselamatan yang diberi tugas rondaan dan pencegahan jenayah, keselamatan rakyat dapat dipertingkatkan.

“Kerajaan Selangor komited untuk menubuhkan Pasukan Polis Bantuan ini dengan hasrat menyediakan persekitaran kehidupan yang aman selaras dengan misi Kerajaan Negeri menjadikan Selangor sebagai negeri idaman, tenteram dan berkebajikan,” kata Menteri Besar.

Dikeluarkan oleh:
SEKRETARIAT AKHBAR
PEJABAT DATO’ MENTERI BESAR SELANGOR

My Constitution Campaign

2011-02-07T18:14:00.000+08:00

KEMPEN PERLEMBAGAANKU

My Constitution Campaign

Is coming to Subang Jaya

Venue : MPSJ Auditorium

Date : 13^th February, 2011

Time : 12.30pm to 6pm

ADMISSION FREE, REGISTER BY PHONE NOW TO ENSURE A SEAT 016-2213381

Who Are We?

A committee of lawyers, students, academics, members of the media, members of non-governmental organisations and Malaysians from all walks of life, we are the Constitutional Law Committee formed under the aegis of the Bar Council, Malaysia.

The Committee was formed to address and promote understanding of the Malaysian Federal Constitution and the concept of constitutionalism.

What is the MyConstitution Campaign?

A first-of-its-kind national campaign to educate the Malaysian public and create greater awareness about the Constitution. The MyConstitution Campaign is guided by the following observations:

The Constitution covers almost every aspect of Malaysian life, from the simple right to freedom of movement to the right to elected government.

The Constitution is the primary document that defines us as a nation and preserves the central pillars of democratic governance.

Every Malaysian is a beneficiary of its promise of constitutionalism and of democratic governance, and therefore all Malaysians must be armed with knowledge and understanding of the Constitution.

Organised by : Jawatankuasa Penduduk Zon 3 and my office

Task force for Taman Subang Ria

2011-01-29T00:00:00.001+08:00

Task force will negotiate

Article from NST, 25 January 2011

SUBANG JAYA: A six-member task force has been formed to be part of the negotiation, acquisition and fundraising process to buy over the 29.39ha Subang Ria Park.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh, who heads the task force, announced that the members were Subang Jaya Residents' Association chairman A.S. Gill, Zone 1 councillor Dr Loi Kheng Min, lawyer Derek Fernandez, Wangsa Baiduri Residents' Association committee member Haneef Gordon and USJ Residents' Association member Premesh Chandran.

The members, she added, were approved and endorsed by Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, who had called for the taskforce to be set up to acquire the SS12 park during a dialogue session earlier this month.

Three vastly different valuations were presented on that day. Subang Jaya Municipal Council's private evaluator's report said the land was worth RM165 million, the Town and Country Planning Department report valued the land at RM53 million, and an independent land evaluation study commissioned by Yeoh stated that the land was worth RM15 million.

During the session, Khalid said there had been no change to the land status which was classified as "recreational", and assured residents that no development would take place at the park for now.

Keeping the task force small at the request of Khalid, Yeoh said its members possessed diverse expertise and all aspects were covered.

Dr Loi, who is also Transparent International Malaysia secretary-general, will function to ensure that the process of fund collection was transparent. Fernandez will offer his knowledge on acquisition law while Premesh, a media practitioner, will take charge of publicity. [Note : Dr Loi is no longer secretary-general but he is still a member of Transparency International]

The residents will be represented by Gill and Haneef.

Yeoh said the task force's next course of action would be to seek an appointment with Sime Darby Property, the owner of the park, and begin the negotiation process.

"I will be writing to Sime Darby Property next week requesting for a meeting, where we will also table the valuation of Subang Ria Park that was done on our side.

"Once we agree on the amount, the state government will set up a fund. Residents can start contributing to the acquisition through a bank account and the amount is tax exempted," she said, adding that she expected the first meeting to take place after Chinese New Year celebrations.

Once a figure was agreed upon, Yeoh said they would have eight months to raise the money. Within the period, the sum raised must be at least one-third of the figure.

The state government has agreed to match the amount raised ringgit-for-ringgit, but Khalid had said it would not fork out more than RM50 million to buy the land.

Yeoh advised residents not to contribute to persons claiming to be part of the task force, and to wait until the bank account number has been announced by the state government.

The Selangor State Appeals Board will hear Sime Darby Property's appeal against the council's decision to reject its application to subdivide the land and title conversion.

Factory owners get green light for sub-division of individual titles

2011-01-25T17:29:00.001+08:00

The Subang Light Industrial Park Factory Owners Association has finally received the green light for the sub-division of individual titles from the Selangor government.

It has been a long struggle for the association which has obtained court orders since 2006 for the sub-division application after their developer failed to do so. While the master title had been properly converted from agricultural to light industrial, the developerhad not obtained the individual titles for the 106 factory owners.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh said the developer had also not paid up the quit rent since 2002, resulting in more than RM800,000 in outstanding amount, including penalty for late charges.

“Because of this, the owners were left in a lurch and had also been served with notices from the state government in April last year that their lands will be confiscated,” Yeoh said after meeting the association’s committee members at her service centre.

The factory owners at the industrial park in Jalan Subang 2, USJ 1 have businesses ranging from manufacturing and printing to car repairs.

Association president Richard Foo said so far, only 69 out of the 106 factory owners had responded to the call of the court order enabling them to apply for the sub-division on behalf of the developer.

“The remaining 37 have been reluctant despite letters sent out by our committee and banners to announce this. We have spent more than RM300,000 in surveying fees for the sub-division and court order,” Foo said.

Yeoh said she received a letter from the legal adviser on Jan 17 that only owners whose names were listed in the court order could proceed with the sub-division process.

She added that the association was now making a final appeal to the remaining 37 lot owners to contact the committee members for their names to be listed in the court order.

“Otherwise, they will be left out and may not be able to obtain their individual titles. It is unfortunate that the association has to do the job of a developer. In fact, they have invested much effort and time to come to this stage,” said Yeoh.

Foo said the committee was giving the 37 lot owners until Feb 12 to contact the assciation, after which they would proceed with the sub-division.

Association secretary Lee Man Seng said the committee now held the master title.

The 69 lot owners have paid up their share of about RM404,000 of the total outstanding quit rent arrears.

Foo said the association would also hold its annual general meeting on Feb 20 at the 98 Seafood Restaurant in USJ 8/2A at 3pm and urged all to turn up.

The committee members can be contacted at 012-618 9516 (Foo), 012-3310 273 (Lee) and 012-287 3163 (vice-president Wong).

With the committee members and the letter from the State Legal Advisor allowing the owners listed in the court order to apply for individual titles

Balik Kampung-Rumah Selamat program 2011

2011-01-20T23:58:00.000+08:00

Message from SJ Alert :

Please take note that this Service is provided absolutely free by PDRM and SJ Alert

Further to the Official launch of the Balik Kampung – Rumah Selamat Campaign at Summit USJ by YDH DIG Datuk Hussin Hj Ismail on Sunday 16/01/2011.

SJ Alert pleased to announce that you can now register for Balik Kampung Rumah Selamat On-line at:
http://www.sjalert.com.my/Balik_Kampung/bk_online.htm

Kindly be advised that On-Line registration will only be accepted by SJ Alert up to Tuesday, 01/02/2011 at 5.00pm. Registration after this time may not be recorded.

You can also register directly at the Balai Polis near you by using the official Borang Maklumat readily available at all participating Balai Polis.

Just a reminder, do register early so that the Polis can plan their Patrols efficiently, do not send in your registration at the very last moment.

If you are driving this Chinese New Year, please do so safely and remember to get your passengers seated at the rear of the car to buckle up.

Hannah Yeoh

More on illegal dumping

Article in SJ Echo - RM1K fine for illegal dumping

More illegal dumping

Article in SJ Echo - What a Lot of Rubbish!

Happy Chinese New Year!

When good men do something

Prosthetic leg for SS19 resident

Amputee gets prosthetic leg from Yeoh

By AIDA AHMAD and ELLORA CHUA

AMPUTEE and father of seven children, Mohd Noor Busin can now look forward to walking and moving around freely without the aid of a wheelchair.

Does the BN Federal Government care about Subang Jaya?

Going ahead with 1Malaysia clinic

Health Ministry proceeds with set-up despite resistance against having a nurse-run establishment

No reason for delay in getting a government clinic

By DAWN CHAN SUBANG JAYA streets@nstp.com.my

No reason for delay in getting a government clinic

SUBANG Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh is urging the Health Ministry to give priority to the setting up of a government clinic in the township.

Removal of Dr Hasan Ali as State Exco

New Year message

New year, new office location, extended operating hours

Merry Christmas!

More parking bays in SS18

Article in SJ Echo - More Parking Bays in SS18

Bright lights, happy community

Insecurity is the heart of racism

Hailstorm in USJ

Article from SJ Echo - "Mini Tornado" Hits Puchong and Parts of USJ

My tribute to the late OCPD

Giving credit when it is due

Forum Belanjawan 2012 on 11/11/11

Happy Deepavali!

Cheque presentation for Deepavali

Indiscriminate parking along Jalan SS16/1

Press Statement By Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng

Deepavali joy for 33 families

Dance It!

My interview with BBC

Working Lives: Malaysia

Article in komunitikini on SJCC

Sime Darby’s Subang Jaya City Centre project gets council waiver

Ceramah this Friday

Maternity Leave

Next Sunday 15 May 2011

Decision on Telekom's land in USJ 6

Focus on the family

Details of spending for RM500,000 allocation

Zairil Khir Johari speaks

Kenyataan balas terhadap dakwaan Dr Mahathir — Zairil Khir Johari

Warming up to fire safety measures

Syabas' explanation & residents' responses

Why Syabas can't give prior notice

Water disruption in Subang Jaya

Press release by Menteri Besar on Taman Subang Ria (26 March 2011)

MB to meet Subang Jaya residents

Telekom land in USJ 6

Millennium Park comes alive every Wednesday and Saturday

DAP USJ East Fundraising Dinner

Valentine's Day

Freak Accident

S'gor pushes for auxiliary police force

My Constitution Campaign

Task force for Taman Subang Ria

Factory owners get green light for sub-division of individual titles

Balik Kampung-Rumah Selamat program 2011

By DAWN CHAN
SUBANG JAYA
streets@nstp.com.my