The Penang Forum 4 event on Saturday raised a host of planning and development issues and stimulated intense discussion. Concerned participants wrapped up the day by adopting eight resolutions.
The following resolutions were adopted by participants of the Penang Forum 4: Development and Good Governance event on 18 December 2011 at the Caring Society Complex, Penang.
Recognising that the current Penang state government, the MPPP and the MPSP have increased their efficiency and effectiveness and introduced some praiseworthy measures such as the open-tender system, the No-Plastic Bags and Styrofoam policy, the Car-Free Days, the Penang Speakers’ Square
Appreciating that there is now more space for civil society groups and arts and culture to flourish,
Mindful of the present lopsidedness in federal-state powers and the limited financial resources of the state and local government,
However, alarmed by the increasing susceptibility of the government to the neo-liberal global and local forces pushing a certain top-down, mega projects-driven approach to development that often pays scant regard to sustainable development principles, and
Conscious of the need for a more people-centred, sustainable and greener approach to development based on the real needs of the people,
We, the participants of Penang Forum 4, call upon the Penang state government and municipal councils to
- implement a planned and more systematic, holistic and sustainable development process,
- institute a more participatory planning process, including organising a series of workshops to educate and engage the public on draft Local Plans prior to their approval;
- impose a moratorium on highrise and high density buildings until such time that the Local Plans have been approved by the Penang people.
- address and resolve the problems of the various residents associations especially by implementing independent social, environmental and traffic impact assessments for new projects;
- formulate land-use and land reclamation policies that would ensure that the state maintains effective control over land-use planning and protects its long-term financial interests to serve the best interests of ordinary Penangites, in particular marginalised and vulnerable groups, including the provision of sufficient affordable housing, public parks, and social amenities;
- formulate innovative yet prudent independent fiscal policies that would allow the state/local government to generate and conserve financial resources for projects that would bring about the maximum long-term benefit to local communities;
- address the poor integration of transport within the town planning and land-use planning policies; and
- ensure the prompt enforcement of legislation for the violation of any laws or by-laws.
Participants of Penang Forum 4
18 December 2011
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The mentality of leaders also is important, they should not be egoistic and thick headed . Today’s STAR reported another incident that happened in Batu Feringhi , the comments by the Aussie man was regarding safety. This problem has been going on for years and it still cannot be resolved by the state government , do you think they will do anything about the suggestions by the Penang Forum?
to put such concepts into implemented plans are always easier said than done knowing the various barriers (political/business etc) and constraints (budget, finance) along the way. And I still think the most difficult part is the mentality of the public. The public’s shift in paradyme is critical otherwise we continue to expect federal level ali-baba quick rich schemes dictating the economic landscape instead of the well-thought off cat holistic approaches.
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Recognising that the current Penang state government, the MPPP and the MPSP have increased their efficiency and effectiveness and introduced some praiseworthy measures such as the open-tender system, the No-Plastic Bags and Styrofoam policy, the Car-Free Days, the Penang Speakers’ Square
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Hmm, a bias report from aliran management i.e. anil
open-tender system ??? Show me where the OPENness
No plastic bags = susahkan rakyat
car free days = plain stupid and anti freedom and business
spearker corner = a place for rocket machai enjoyment
GK, As always you are always in a state of denial and it is only when freebies are stuff in your mouth that you will not deny or until you have been given the crutches.
And there are some Gerakan leaders in that forum as shown in the pictures
Haha, Gherkin caught criticizing for the sake of criticizing. Nowadays, a lot of Gherkins are thinking of jumping ship. Soon, only the K will be left in his pseudonym. K is now available since someone abandoned it a while ago.
I hope you are not talking about me…The news of my death has been great exaggerated. LOL. This is so typical of PR’s mindless supporters of sticking their heads into sand, refusing to see mismanagement, cronyism and uncontrolled development that is destroying Penang physically and spiritually by Development Above People regime of the Dear Leader and Chairman Lim. Anil and Penang Forum are trying to do an invaluable service to Penang yet you guys trying to undermine and disrespect these efforts with your comments. I agree, the whole thing about CAT is a BS. Penang is neither more efficient or… Read more »