NASIR STARTS SOALAN RAKYAT (PEOPLE’S VOICE) – A NEW INITIATIVE FOR KOTA DAMANSARA VOTERS
Kota Damansara, 21th April, 2008 .
Dr.Nasir Hashim the socialist candidate for Kota Damansara today launched a program “Soalan Rakyat Kota Damansara” to enable residents of Kota Damansara to send questions and proposals to be brought up during the State Assembly sitting .
The Selangor State Assembly will be sitting for the 1st time in 2008 from the 21st May 2008 till the 26th May 2008 . This will be the first State Assembly sitting under the leadership of the new Pakatan Rakyat Government. Since yesterday , Dr.Nasir’s office have been sending out emails and sms to as many residents associations, groups and individuals in Kota Damansara as possible .
“It is our promise to our people in our manifesto. We promised to have continuous dialogue and a feedback from the rakyat on issues that ought to be debated in the State Assembly” , explained Dr.Nasir . “Socialism is about people’s participation at all levels of the state administration, this is how we hope to develop true people’s democracy”
Since yesterday, questions, proposals and ideas have been pouring in through the email and sms from the Kota Damansara rakyat . Some have commended his initiative of being the first to launch such a feedback system to prepare for the State Assembly.
“We hope to streamline the questions , and put forward as many as we can . We too hope our key issues will be debated in the Dewan” added Dr.Nasir.
The deadline to send in the questions to the Dewan is 30th April, 2008 .
Sivarajan
PSM Kota Damansara .
Tuesday April 15, 2008
Residents all out to stop hypermarket project
By DEBBIE CHAN
AMID chants of protest against the construction of a new hypermarket, labourers continued their work as usual.
About 100 Kota Damansara residents gathered at the construction site in Kota Damansara recently to protest against the project, as it would affect their daily life.
Speaking out: Some of the residents carrying placards and banners against the construction work.
Residents from D’Villa Avenue, D’Villa Botany, Gugusan Dedap, Bayu Damansara, R. T. Seri Utama (Section 5) and Damansara Emas picketed and shouted at lorries carrying construction materials into the site.
According to Gugusan Dedap Residents Association representative Zamaruddin Zainuddin, the land was initially approved for the development of 30 double-storey shophouses.
However, the Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS) converted the original plan to a hypermarket and construction began last December.
“The location is inappropriate for a hypermarket, as it is near a primary school and surrounded by residential areas.”Schoolchildren would be expo- sed to all kinds of negative influences, which would lead to absenteeism, truancy and many other social problems," Zamaruddin said, adding that most children from Gugusan Dedap walked and cycled to the school.
Unpopular: The project has drawn the ire of residents from several nearby neighbourhoods.
Another R.T. Seri Utama (Section 5) representative Simon Lau said once the hypermarket began operations, it would subject the residents to endless traffic congestion.
Meanwhile, parents have complained that their daughters were teased and disturbed by some of the foreign labourers living at the site.
Kota Damansara MP Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim said the protest had shown that Kota Damasara residents were sensitive to and aware of issues involving them.
Ras Adiba: We also have workers on duty at all times to monitor lorries entering and leaving the site.
“We have reported the matter to the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and they will issue a stop-work order to the developer.”Besides, they also went against MBPJ rules that prohibit work from being carried out on weekends," he said.
Developer Magnificient Diagraph Sdn Bhd public relations and corporate social responsibility director Ras Adiba Radzi said the company had discussed the matter with MBPJ and reached an agreement concerning the residents’ grouses two weeks ago.
“We also have workers on duty at all times to monitor the lorries entering and leaving the construction site,” she said, adding that it would be better to have a meeting with the residents.
Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Roslan Sakiman held a meeting with the town planners to discuss the various factors of concern in the building of the new hypermarket in the area.
“We have conducted the meeting and are waiting for the final reports from the planners on the next course of action,” a MBPJ spokesman said.
Dr Mohd Nasir: The protest had shown that Kota Damansara residents are sensitive to and aware of issues involving them
NASIR BACK LOCAL RESIDENTS IN PROTESTING AGAINST CARREFOUR HYPERMARKET
Kota Damansara, 12 April 2008
Barely one month after election, Dr. Nasir Hashim, Kota Damansara Socialist State Assemblyman and PSM National Chairperson was back in the streets leading around 300 protesters against the construction of a Carrefour Hypermarket at a residential area in Kota Damansara.
At about 11am residents from D’Villa Avenue , D’Villa Botany , Gugusan Dedap , Bayu Damansara , RT Seri Utama , Damansara Emas and the Friends of Kota Damansara gathered in front of the hypermarket construction site with banners in protest . The message was clear . “WE DON’T WANT ANOTHER HYPERMARKET” , “PKNS AND MBPJ CHEATED US” were some of the wordings on the banners .
The residents demanded that the project which was approved without any public consultation with the residents to be stopped immediately. The protest was participated by a wide variety of people ,coming together for a common cause . Both residents from Semi detached , bungalow house joined hands with residents from the Gugusan Dedap low cost apartment in solidarity and demanded that building works to be stopped .
Dr.Nasir joined the protest . He congratulated them for organizing the protest . “It is your right to protest , let the people ’s voice be heard !” he said. Nasir in previous meetings with the residents told them that it is not his voice which is going rattle the Hypermarket owner but rather the voices of the people. He spoke about the power of people coming together against the giant.
The peaceful protest ended at about 12.00pm was followed by a press conference at the Gugusan Dedap flats . At the press conference, Dr.Nasir stressed that “Carrefour shouldn’t be build here , this is a residential area . Has the local council consulted the local residents on the proposed project?” Has there been a comprehensive study done on the traffic flow , parking , environmental implications before such a project is given the green light ?“,questioned Dr . Nasir .” We want to know how such a project got approved, we want to get to the bottom if this ! " If there is hanky panky , we demand it to be stopped ! promised Dr. Nasir to the residents .
Having heard about the protest , MBPJ immediately called Dr.Nasir by phone to inquire about the protest . Dr . Nasir demanded that work must be stopped first before a dialogue session is held with Carrefour , PKNS , MBPJ and the residents. MBPJ promised to issue a stop work order on Monday and arrange a dialogue session with the residents as soon as possible .
Many residents were very happy to see their new State Assemblyman in the street with them. The protest today was testament of PSM attitude in trying to establish peoples’ power in Kota Damansara and Sungai Siput where the local people will play an important role in fighting for their rights. The people do not end their task after voting but continue to play a decisive role in politics.
Sivarajan
PSM Kota Damansara
12Apr,2008
STOP THE DESTRUCTION ,GAZETTE THE KOTA DAMANSARA FOREST
1st April , 2008, Kota Damansara
Dr.Nasir the socialist ADUN for Kota Damansara moved to fulfill his election pledge to safeguard the Kota Damansara (Sg.Buloh )Forest Reserve. During the election campaign, Dr.Nasir and Sivarasa, Subang Parliament member signed the pledge to safeguard the forest from further destruction.
Accompanied by Friends of Kota Damansara , FOKD and Malaysian Nature Society MNS, Dr.Nasir led the delegation to have talks with the newly appointed Exco in charge of Environmental affairs, Elizabeth Wong .
Dr.Nasir stressed that, the Exco have to ensure that the remaining 600 acres of the forest should not be encroached on further in the name of development. As far back as 1898, the colonial government gazetted an area of 6,590 ha. This forest is the oldest gazetted forest in Peninsula Malaysia .
Since its first clearing in 1988 for the construction of North-South Highway, the forest has been slowly ruined by various development projects. In 1992, 1600 ha was given to PKNS for Kota Damansara township development. The Kota Damansara township was launched with the theme of ’Living in Harmony with the Environment ’. If the pace of developments continues, there will be no more green lung for the nearby residents .
Currently 50 acres of the forest has been earmarked for a muslim cemetery and land works have already begun rapidly. “Besides the cemetery project, we want to ensure that the rest of the forest is preserved and remains gazetted as a State national park . This will ensure that no other development projects will be proposed in the future” stressed Dr.Nasir .
Elizabeth Wong, the State Exco holding the Environment portfolio, assured the delegation that she will immediately call for a meeting with MBPJ for a report on the proposed and ongoing projects at the site. Elizabeth promised to look into measures to gazette the forest permanently.
It would be a great task to undo the blunders and destruction of the Barisan led capitalist government in Selangor . Capitalism is determined primarily by production for private profit. Under the private profit system the Earth itself becomes “an object of huckstering” (Engels): the fertility of the soil and the vitality of the labourer are equally sacrificed to capital’s “werewolf hunger for surplus value”.
Sivarajan
PSM Kota Damansara
LOCAL COUNCILS APPROVAL FOR HYPERMARKET A MOCKERY OF LOCAL AGENDA 21
Dr.Nasir Hashim , the socialist wakil rakyat for Kota Damansara was puzzled as to how a project to build a Hypermarket right in the middle of a residential area and school was approved by the Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ)
After a brief meeting with the various Residents association representing D’Villa, D’Villa Botany, Gugusan Dedap in Section 11 Kota Damansara, Dr.Nasir visited the construction site of the proposed Carrefour Hypermarket . The construction works were actively going on even at 10pm! The developer seemed to be rushing to finish the project.
The residents in the area have complained that the speed of works have doubled since the elections. “We can’t sleep at night because they are doing piling works at midnight , how can this be or who has given them the approval ??” questioned one of the resident , whose house is just barely 20metres away from the construction site .
Dr.Nasir immediately requested an explanation from Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) has to how a mammoth Carrefour Hypermarket could be allowed to be built within the vicinity of a residential area and public school. “Has the local council consulted the local residents on the proposed project?” Has there been a comprehensive study done on the traffic flow , parking , environmental implications before such a project is given the green light ?" questioned Nasir in his letter dated 19th March , 2008 .
The MBPJ’s reply to Dr.Nasir later that week, revealed the pathetic attitude of the local council. MBPJ shamelessly claimed that it complied with the “Kaedah –kaedah Pengawalan Perancangan (Am) 1996” which requires the council to give notices to residents only within the radius of 66 feet of the project site! . Thus only ’ONE HOUSE was within that radius ! Further more that particular house was occupied by a developer .
MBPJ justifies that since , there was no objection received from this particular house owner , thus the council went ahead and approved the construction . What a farce ! The MBPJ which is supposed to be the model council to implement Local Agenda 21 has completely failed in its responsibility .
The statement from the MBPJ website itself states that the councils vision on LA21 as
“… committed to solve the identified issues through greater public participation ,consultation process and awareness in developing a safe , harmonious and healthy city within the sustainable environment”
Dr.Nasir hit out at the local council which has made a mockery of the LA21 process . “Surely the whole community surrounding the project site will be affected by this Hypermarket , how can MBPJ send notice to ONE house and forget the whole community ?”
Dr.Nasir has shared a copy of the councils report with the residents . The residents were very angry as to how the MBPJ has given approval for the construction on the 24th September 2007, knowing fully well that the local plan for Kota Damansara under the Town and Country Planning Act would be tabled for public feedback on December , 2007 . “Does this not tantamount to cheating the residents ?” cried a house owner in the vicinity .
With the residents feed back , Dr.Nasir will pursue the matter , and insist that the MBPJ consult the residents and resolve the issue .
Sivarajan
PSM Kota Damansara
VICTORY CELEBRATION AT SUNGAI SIPUT DRAWS HUGE TURNOUT
Sg. Siput, 29 March 2008
The Man Tak hall in Sungai Siput turned red to mark the upset victory of Comrade Dr. Jeyakumar against Samy Vellu who held the seat in previous eight election. An estimated crowd of more than two thousand people packed the hall in spite of heavy rain. Four caterers catered for the huge crowd.
The hall was decorated with PSM’s flag as well as other parties flag. In the election, Dr. Kumar defeated S.Samy Vellu with a majority of 2,221 making him the first socialist parliamentarian after 44 years.
The night was opened with videos being played and the Internationale being sung. This was followed by a speech by Dr. Kumar. In his speech comrade Kumar emphasised that his victory belongs to all the people who championed the rights of the people and was a clear signal to the Ruling party. He further stressed that he would need the full commitment of everyone if he wants to make progress in the area.
Other speakers of the day included PSM’s Deputy Chairperson Comrade M.Saraswathy, Secretary General, S.Arutchelvan and PKR’s National Vice President Dr. Lee Boon Chai.
The event was well attended by people from all races and reflected the massive vote swing to the opposition parties as well as creating space for class politics to surface finally. 66 new members applied to be members today at the celebration. It is also an indicator that the racial politics advocated by the opposition is becoming obsolete.
PSM OPENS NEW BRANCH AND SERVICE CENTRE IN SEMENYIH
Semenyih, 18 March 2008
On 16th. March, PSM’s Semenyih Election Machinery organised an Appreciation Dinner Night to thank all the supporters and volunteers who helped in the campaign during the election. Though Comrade Arul lost narrowly to the BN candidate but the atmosphere at the dinner was electrifying. People felt that we have won. Supporters from all over Semenyih came. According to event organiser K.Simon, “we expected 300 to attend but ordered food for 500 but around a thousand people came and we had to purchase additional food”. But the event was more than food.
The party flags and symbols were decorated along the road side. Many people honked as a sign of support. Four huge tents were set up.
The function was graced by PSM’s National Chairperson as well as Kota Damansara State Assemblyman Dr. Nasir Hashim, Dr Rosli Che Mat, MP for Hulu Langat, Comrade Dr. Kumar, newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Sungai Siput and Cikgu Lee, the State Assemblyman for Kajang. As Comrade Arul said, this is the first time so many MP and State Assemblyman have come to Semenyih to attend a function.
Also present were opposition party members from PAS, KeADILan, DAP as well as NGO activist from CDC, SUARAM, GMI and DEMA. Besides them, the bulk of the people were local people who helped the campaign.
The event started with speeches from Comrade Simon (Campaign Coordinator DUN Semenyih) who thank the team and all the supporters and volunteers for their hard work and support. He added that the campaign wouldn’t be success without a solid team. His speech followed by Saudara Che Rosli. Che Rosli in speech clearly stated that the mandate that has given by the people to him and Barisan Alternatif in Semenyih proved that the people’s agenda will be his agenda and he will work towards it. He also appointed Comrade Arul as his representatives for Semenyih.
Comrade Kumar who beat Samy Vellu got a warm applause from the crowd. He told the people to be caution and that if their MP or ADUN forgot to carry their responsibilities as they promised then the people should warn and remind them. Cikgu Lee also in his speech reminded that the People are the real power and they should always watch and monitor their leaders.
Comrade Arul wrapped the event with a spirited speech. He paid tribute to the work carried out by the election machinery and the volunteers. He also made an announcement which brought tremendous applause that another PSM Branch and service centre would be open soon in Semenyih.
He also asked the people to assist PSM in various ways including physical help as well as financial assistance. He also stressed that the swing to the opposition in the election this time is because the people are fed-up with BN but stressed that we have to work hard to maintain the victory.
In a related development, 55 people have applied to join the party in Semenyih and the party has opened a new Branch there. The new members were briefed about the task of PSM and its socialist mission. The Service centre will be in operation at Fasa 5, Bandar Rinching which will operate three days a week – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. For inquiries and assistance, please call 016-2578330.
“There is no other definition of socialism valid for us than that of the abolition of the exploitation of man by man”. Che Guevara
Written By
E. Nalini
Media Coordinator