Pj Defies State Govt Directive To Privatise Parking Operations

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When it comes to standing up to authoritative directives that are seen as unfair, unproductive, or destructive, it boils down to the mettle of the people who stand up and say “no”.
Three state-council engagements did not yield the desired results, but rather a rebuff. The cajoling was rejected, the threats muffed, and even the sweeteners were denied.
Yesterday, Members of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) stood as the last bastion against directives being imposed on local authorities.
According to a state government source, whilst three other local authorities fell by the wayside, sacrificing millions in revenue, Petaling Jaya City Council stood defiantly against the proposed privatisation of street parking.
ADSIf not seen as defiance, it was a show of strength. Their collective decision reflected the wishes of the residents, exercising their powers and carrying out their duties as representatives of the people.
They baulked at this directive from the state, as it was seen as unfair and unjustly taking away the much-needed revenue and handing it over to a third party.
Doubling collection, but at what cost?
But is it the end of the line for the much-touted privatisation pushed by the state government? Not likely.
PJ mayor Zahri Samingon said MBPJ supported the move as it was a policy approved by the state executive council; the privatisation process must not disrupt the existing parking situation in the city.
Zahri Samingon“One of our conditions is that the revenue (MBPJ earns) must be the same or higher than what we get currently,” he said.
This means the private contractor must guarantee an annual income of RM18 million, which it has so far refused to provide.
However, in other areas administered by three local authorities - Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), and Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) - parking operations are being conducted as scheduled today under a privatisation scheme announced by the Selangor government.
After days of deliberations, discussions, and debates touching on legal, ethical, and principled issues affecting the community, with a swoosh of the pen, the income from street parking has been halved, with the other half going into the pockets of the company awarded the franchise.
Two weeks ago, Selangor state executive councillor Ng Suee Lim stated that discussions were still ongoing regarding the privatisation of street parking management across four local authorities, with a final agreement expected to be signed by Aug 1.
His key selling points include doubling the current collection rate from 30 percent to 60 percent by utilising artificial intelligence and installing 1,900 CCTVs, which cost RM200 million.
However, the cost, although not astronomical, was amusing - at RM110,000 each, one would assume that they were made of gold or diamond-studded.
ADSAs unconvincing as they were, Ng has not given up on Petaling Jaya and is still at it, trying his persuasive talents but to no avail.
Ng Suee LimTwo days ago, he was still at it, according to his post on Facebook: “Exciting, beautiful, and wonderful Wednesday! This morning, I convened a meeting with Bukit Gasing assemblyperson Rajiv Rishyakaran, Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei, and the Selangor Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) to thoroughly discuss the Smart Parking System implemented by MBPJ, jointly seeking a mutually beneficial solution.”
But what can be “mutually beneficial” when one party is going to forfeit 50 percent of its revenue? Would anyone in his or her right mind give away half of his or her hard-earned money?
Perhaps Ng underestimated the PJ councillors, though this is not the first time they stood up against unfair directives and decisions.
In June 2023, the councillors stood up to then mayor Azhan Amir, who dared to assert his supposed authority, ignoring the powers vested in the councillors and claiming that they are there only to “give input on social and political matters.”
What about those who conceded?
Let’s look at Shah Alam. According to mayor Fauzi Mohd Yatim, MBSA collected RM21.9 million in parking fees and RM8.9 million from compound fines last year.
Between January and June this year, MBSA collected RM10 million in parking fees and RM3.6 million in compound fines.
So, with a shortfall of about RM10 million, in what areas are the cuts expected? Would it affect cleanliness and sanitation or maintenance and upkeep?
For now, the council will have to grapple with the shortfall, or it will resort to increasing charges in other areas.
The same for the Selayang and Subang Jaya councils, but one question that has yet to be satisfactorily answered: If it ain’t broken, why fix it?
Why the need for privatisation? Ng argues for the increase in revenue, but is it guaranteed? Can the private contractor guarantee such income?
Round One may have gone to the state, but Round Two, though two years away, is more crucial. That is when the same people who made all those promises of “working for the people” return to your doorsteps seeking a fresh mandate.
The reaction and response they will get may not be music to the ears of those seeking your vote, but they could be loud and devastating. - Mkini
R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who tries to live up to the ethos of civil rights leader John Lewis: “When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something.” Comments: [email protected]
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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