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Media Statement
by M. Kula Segaran   
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(Ipoh, Tuesday) : On the 8th of January 2007 twenty two (22) local councilors were appointed for the Ipoh City Council or the Majlis Bandarraya Ipoh (MBI). Of this 22 is one Lim Huey Shan also known as Vincent H.S Lim who is in charge the zone known as the Bercham/Tasek/Dermawan areas. This local councilor is 31years old, a MCA nominee and is now serving his second year as a councilor.

The said councilor Vincent Lim runs a business known as Marvellous Sdn.Bhd.

A check with the registrar of companies reveals that Lim is a majority share holder in the above company. He commenced and carries out a plastic related business from 7/11/03 at no.40, Lintasan Perajurit 17C, Taman Perindustrian & Perusahaan Ipoh. Last Friday Sdr. Siva Subramaniam and others made a spot checked on the above premises and the premises was without a sign board and the business was still being operated.

On 19th July 2006 upon investigation the MBI issued a notice to the registered owner of the above premises to cease operating the business as it was been done without a licence issued by the local authority. On 12th September2006 the registered owner of the said premises wrote a letter to MBI informing the local authority that the business is not operated by him but was being operated by local councilor Lim Huey Shan. In the same letter rental receipts were enclosed. Subsequently on 21 st September2006 MBI issued a fresh notice to Marvellous Sdn. Bhd demanding that business activity be ceased.

The Law and why no action taken against Lim Huey Shan?

For the last 3 years the business was being operated by this local councilor with total disregard of the law. How any why was he allowed to get away without a licence being issued by the MBI for so many years. These are the small napoleons who take the law into their own hands and who know that because of their political connections nothing can be done against him.

He has been conducting the said business illegally and without a valid licence. According to the bye laws of the MBI any person who carries on industrial or such businesses need to get approval from all relevant agencies and finally a licence from MBI to commence a business.

If he is charged in court and if found guilty he could be fined a maximum sum of RM2000 and or be imposed a maximum jail term of 1 year. To make matters worse, till to date the business is being operated with shear disregard of the law. MBI must explain why to date

1. why he is still allowed to operate and run his business without a licence?
2. why MBI have not taken the councilor to court and charge him?
3. Why no orders have been obtained from the court to close down the business?

Many ratepayers feel the MBI is practicing double standards in the discharge of the law. If the above disobedience act was done by any other ordinary individual the MBI would have implemented with urgency the provisions of the byelaws and stiff penalties and appropriate charges would have been preferred. The implementation of the law should not be based on who it is. Its incumbent the MBI must act without fear or favour.

Lim is in charge of the zone known as the Bercham/ Tasek/Dermawan areas. The business is being carried out in Bercham. How can rate payers have any confidence on the local councilor who breaches the very law he is entrusted to live and enforce.

Finally all of expect the MB of Perak /State Authority which appointed Lim as a councilor to prevail on MBI to demand appropriate action be taken against him. Also will the city councilor be sacked or the MB of Perak would close one eye!

(30/1/2007)