KL youth unhappy with PH over urban development, job market
(FMT) – Youths were said to have played a major role in delivering victory to Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the 14th general election last year, but today some question the wisdom of their choice, saying they are still waiting for the government to make good on its promises.
Sharlyne C, 23, was one of the young people who went to cast their vote on May 9 hoping for a new Malaysia.
“Now, a year after achieving this much-awaited change, and after all the promises made, especially to the people of Kuala Lumpur by our prominent MPs, it seems as though they remain as powerless as they were under Barisan Nasional.
“It is disheartening in particular to see my neighbourhood in Taman Tiara Titiwangsa under constant threat from developers who seem to have ‘friends in all the right places’,” she said.
She recalled that when the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of residents on March 13, she was overjoyed as it was understood that the battle had reached a conclusion which favoured the people.
“It meant that the institutional land proposed for the project would be spared from becoming yet another unsustainable high-rise,” she said. However, Kuala Lumpur City Hall is appealing the decision at the Federal Court.
Sharlyne also urged the PH government to honour the residents’ wish that the land remain as it was gazetted for – a community centre and football field.
This, she said, was an opportunity for PH to make good on at least some of its election promises.
“Perhaps it would be possible for the youth and sports minister to lend us his support to turn this plot of land into a community hall and basic sports centre. Or perhaps Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad could have the land turned into hospital quarters or even a research centre,” she said.
She also suggested a third option: to retain the land as a reserve for government use in the future.
“These are not unreasonable suggestions. But we don’t want another giant tower that comes without proper supporting infrastructure. I cannot say with confidence that my vote will go to PH in the next general election. Perhaps someone who can deliver will get my vote,” she added.
Priya Menon, 25, who lives in Kuala Lumpur, agreed that the elected MPs were not living up to their promise to ensure Kuala Lumpur would be a more liveable city.
“I used to jog in Taman Eko Rimba Bukit Nanas. The forest reserve is a unique one because it is right smack in the middle of the city centre. But lately, I can’t help but notice that there isn’t any wildlife. No more frogs or even birds. I used to be greeted by monkeys but I don’t see them anymore.
“The last I heard, they want to develop a plot of land in the vicinity of this forest reserve. We talk so much about eco-tourism, yet the federal territories minister is not trying to protect this forest reserve,” she said.
It was reported that China Vanke Co Ltd had torn down a row of eight two-storey derelict pre-war houses called Serani Row there.
