DEAR Sir,

We, the residents of Petaling Jaya, along with Taman Medan and Kinrara, would like to appeal to you to listen to our grievances.

Petaling Jaya or any other city’s objective and aspirations should be geared towards “low carbon footprint”.

To achieve this, there should be “no highway, and instead better public transport”.

Sir, this is non-negotiable, as severe climate change and global warming have caused extreme incidents, among them flooding. Haven’t we suffered enough damage?

In many global practical city designs, a well-linked outer ring road (in Bahasa Malaysia, it is Jalan Pekeliling) is crucial. Our nearest example is the MRR2.

If our MRR2 was better connected, improvement in last-mile design and building connectivity will ensure practical and cost-saving city living.

This allows reduction of cars, and maximising urban public transport.

Sir, as our works minister, what were you thinking, when you made public proposals for three new highways for the Klang Valley?

At the No PJD Link peaceful assembly in Petaling Jaya yesterday, many people from 20 residents’ associations gathered in strong protest over your totally unacceptable remarks.

Even the management of Masjid Bulat is extremely insulted, that the PJD Link “in principle was approved”. Did you know it encroaches on to mosque land?

Sir, Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah clearly asked: who gave the approvals? We need you to explain transparently, what transpired and how was it approved?

If we remember, former Say No To Kidex members met you before; and then Kidex was cancelled.

Why is this PJD Link being pushed through? Would you build a similar highway in your home state of Sarawak?

Now, based on the Town Country Planning Act 1976, the government owes the rakyat the decency of well-being, hence a guiding policy where the state can improve the living environment with a proper landscape.

Will bulldozing through an old city like Petaling Jaya add value, and comply with the act? No, certainly not.

Sir, for us grieving poor citizens, with all these continuously broken promises, wrong governance, coupled with sky high prices, we surely will know how to vote come election time.

We, the rakyat urge you to come clean right now, and do the right thing.

Thanks, sincerely. – July 3, 2022.

* Michael Kum is secretary of the Section 20 Residents’ Association and a SCRAP Highway Team representative.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.