Public Participation in Malaysia

Public participatory is the definition for the community that can join or participating in the planning process. Put it in the simple context: the people have a voice in any planned development. In the western countries such as in United Kingdom, the people awareness about their responsibility and their power is just a big leap comparing to Malaysian. There, they have a vocal whether to agree or to object any development surrounds them. Of course, before doing so, they must have an education or study on the something that they agreed or disagreed with.

In the context of Malaysia, the current public participatory environment is vey “calm” as people are seen not very interested in the process. Well, this is also one of the aspect of democracy: you have right to voice out your opinion, even in the planning process. For example, when the developer planned to built a 100 story of super tall building next to your house, of course you will be objected as the building may cover up your house from the sunlight, wind and the best view that you enjoyed before this. What more important are the side effect of the development that you don’t want: pollution and congestion.

Should people shut their mouth over this kind of situation?

Then, that is the time when the public participatory play a major role in objection the development of such taller building. If the both side agree, the case can be settled in the court where both side must justify why they agree or disagree with the development. This, however doesn’t come easily as the developer will do anything within their power to make the project become reality no matter what. This is because of the name and prestige that they want to keep. They don’t want to be the loser side when the project is ultimately objected and abandoned. It will be hard for them to find another project in the future. The Malay says: susah nak cari makan!

 Then, there is also a interference from the government to protect the development, especially when it comes to the government own project. They will do anything to keep the project run on it scheduled. Many cases had happen before when the Government interfere, then nothing much public can do. There is no need to give an example because it is such sensitive issues. Opps!

Pople's power? =)

Back to our discussion, the public participatory in the country is relatively weak because of all the reasons above. Plus, the people seems don’t care the development around them as long as it doesn’t involving their land. Then this is a serious problem. Too much selfishness in the community may lead to our own disastrous future. Who can assure that the current development may good or bad for us in the future? Nobody can become a fortune teller. That is why the serious public participatory in any planning process is very important. They can give you opinion, feedback and suggestion regarding your proposed development. With this, the developer or government may know what are the flaws in their proposed development and the solve for the problems. Settle!

For the conclusion, a strong yet educated public participatory involving various NGOs in Malaysia is needed if we believe that the future may be bright for us. =)

“What we do today will become history in the future”