Anti-incinerator group at Selangor assembly complex gets cold shoulder

 

An anti-incinerator group held a forum yesterday at the Selangor assembly complex in Shah Alam, in hopes of explaining and promoting their zero-waste ideas to assemblypersons.

However, they ended up greatly disappointed as many of the legislators who initially agreed to attend stood them up.

Abdul Hanan Abd Mokti, the spokesperson for Persatuan Pendidikan dan Kesedaran 3R Kuala Lumpur, said their forum was titled “Pengurusan sisa lestari: Pembakaran atau Pengasingan?” (Sustainable waste management: Incineration or separation?)

He explained that the concept of “zero waste” is prevalent in the European Union, but achieving zero waste requires not only changing people’s mindsets but also leveraging legislation.

Hanan further noted that although Malaysia has implemented the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) in several states, Selangor has yet to do so.

He believes that the state assembly is crucial in formulating policies and laws to that effect, adding that since it is difficult to reach out to assemblypersons and explain the benefits of zero waste, they chose to hold this seminar at the Wisma Dewan Negeri Selangor.

The spokesperson added that another purpose was to make it convenient for legislators to participate.

Hanan pointed out that although 18 legislators who verbally or in writing promised to attend beforehand, 13 were absent without reason, while one gave a reason.

Poor turnout

Only Rawang assemblyperson Chua Wei Kiat, Kota Damansara assemblyperson Muhammad Izuan Ahmad Kasim - both from PKR - and representatives of two other legislators showed up.

Rawang assemblyperson Chua Wei Kiat

Hanan pointed out that speaker Lau Weng San was also invited, but only promised to send a representative.

He added that two assemblypersons had also already indicated they could only send representatives, including Kota Kemuning assemblyperson Preakas Sampunathan and Banting assemblyperson Papparaidu Veraman, both from DAP.

Mohd Rafiq Mohd Abdullah, the Bersatu assemblyman for Kuang, called at the last minute to explain that his mother had been hospitalised, so he could not attend, Hanan said.

As for the two legislators who personally attended, Chua was present throughout the session, while Izuan made an appearance for about 10 to 15 minutes before leaving.

‘Open to differing views’

Hanan expressed disappointment at the absence of both government and opposition assemblypersons from the forum since one of the speakers at the event was a former chief technical adviser of the UN Development Programme, whose perspectives and insights were worth a listen.

Chua explained in an interview that as policymakers, attending such events allows them to listen to other professional opinions.

“Because it’s like, in Parliament, they often hold such briefing sessions. And I think it’s normal and healthy, just to let some professionals tell us about affairs in their field.

“As policymakers, we also need to understand their knowledge, common sense, or what they want to promote. And then, we can better promote policies for the entire country or state.

“Apart from listening to civil servants, I think you can listen to the views of professionals in different fields.”

According to a list obtained by Malaysiakini, the legislators who did not attend as promised came from both government and opposition parties, including Bersatu, PAS, Amanah, PKR, and DAP. - Mkini