http://dapmalaysia.org  

We call on the Federal Territory Development Minister to develop a strategy to ensure that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (CHKL) use all allocations effectively, including the use of money to handle local issues   Press Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw (Kuala Lumpur, Wednesday): KL city folks are keeping an eye on Tan Sri Mohamad Isa as the FT minister. Now, he has pledged to develop the capital into a better city. Let us wait and see. Meanwhile, we wish him well.  CHKL has implemented various development projects and dealt with local issues. But, because of many factors, some problems such as traffic congestion remain unresolved. Others like the reduction of squatter areas show changes: over 20 years ago, Kepong constituency had the highest number of squatters in KL. Now, it is ranked 8th.   We propose that Isa meets FT members of parliament once every two months, so that he can understand the actual situation in every constituency. As KL does not have state assemblypersons nor elected city councilors, the above-stated dialogue is essential.   The minister must understand the intricate problems of KL. One is how to make full use of allocations without wanton waste. This includes the management of local issues such as roads, drains, bridges, hygiene, and Aedes mosquitoes.   Barisan Nasional forms local governments. It manages CHKL, using public fund, such as the RM2 billion budget this year. The people demand to know whether it has spent the money from taxpayers wisely.   (31/3/2004) * Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong