Divide or Unite? « SJ Echo

Thursday, 7 January 2010

Divide or Unite?

Proposed Gated & Guarded scheme in USJ2 hits a snag with minor exchange of words
THE concept and objective of the Gated & Guarded took a beating last month at the USJ2 gathering to discuss proposals to adopt it, when a minor exchange of words occurred between a member of the pro-tem committee and a senior citizen.
In its haste to get everyone’s buy-in, the pro-tem committee for the USJ2 residents association probably forgot one thing – not everyone understands and is comfortable with having their neighbourhood gated up like a fortress.
And that is probably what led to the exchange of words between one of their younger pro-tem members when he told a senior citizen who wanted more information, “Shut Up!” The uncalled for behavior obviously rattled the more than 100 residents who showed up to get more information on what was being proposed.
ADUN Subang Jaya Hannah Yeoh who had earlier addressed the group reminded them that many areas which had started their G&G scheme were not adhering to the guidelines set by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council.
“There are guidelines which tell you the Dos and Don’ts. But there are areas where the guidelines are just ignored.”
“Our major concern is about security companies engaged and the blocking of roads,” she said.
Hannah said many residents wanted the introduction of Rukun Tetangga to patrol their areas but they themselves were unwilling to participate in the patrolling.
“Many residents do not participate in any initiatives by when they experience a break-in, they come to complain,” she added.