Long, hard battle against PJ council's 'illegal' practices

PETALING JAYA: "Citizen Nades also has an article in today's Sun, where he continues lambasting MPPJ. I'd say the language was getting old, except that it won't really get old until some action is finally taken. Until then, theSun can rant on (online preferably) as much as it likes as far as I'm concerned."
Such online posts were common and even remarks from fellow journalists and critics like were rife: "You are flogging a dead horse. "Why are you continuing to harp on the billboard issue?" had been common over the past 10 years.
We were subjected to so many vibes. "You have exposed so much but has anyone been punished. Don't waste time-lah!"
Perhaps, they all had a point at that time.
A cursory glance at our archives show that between 2005 and 2008, there were no less than 100 news reports, articles and comments on the then Petaling Jaya Municipal Council's (now City Council) decision to "privatise" the licencing of its billboards to its sports club.
MPPJ's former head, Datuk Emran Kadir who went on to become director general of the road Transport Department had in 2003 wrongly decreed that a "donation" of RM10,000 for each billboard to the sports club was a pre-requisite to a licence.
Other arbitrary and questionable policies were made by successors and councillors which involved payments running into millions to the sports club and its football team.
No one paid heed. The councillors, some of whom who were part of it, remained silent. The council and its officers saw nothing wrong with the arrangement. Even the then Anti-Corruption Agency which sought details and documents from me did not do anything.
Even proceeds from the sale of a handbook containing guidelines for simple renovations to residents' properties prepared, printed and published by the council were channelled to the sports club.
The sports club was deemed sacrosanct and as such untouchable. It was protected by hidden hands and its officials were not required to be accountable to anyone including the authorities.
Every article produced little or no response because saying anything would be giving the game away. Stoic silence meant that the "let the braking dogs carry on."
Even the then mentri besar who in one of his few reactions said that an inquiry would be held, did not provide the desired answers.
Some councillors like Little Napoleons held their sway and even set up companies bearing the council's address where some of the money was diverted albeit in the name of the football club.
On hearing about the arrangements with Seni Jaya and Onion Mesra we raised the issue with Dr Wong Sai Hou who was then a councillor, he declared: "We are a democratic council and we have already made a decision not to have any billboard monopoly in the city."
On Merdeka eve of 2006, we penned these poignant notes in an open letter: No monopoly, doctor? A democratic council? Famous last words, but just rewind to the full board meeting of the Petaling Jaya Municipal Council on Dec 22 last year.
If your memory is failing, here's what happened: The board approved a concession to Seni Jaya Sdn Bhd and Onion Mesra Sdn Bhd. The records show that only one councillor – Dr Wong Chee Yoong objected to the monopoly. The rest of the 23, it can be presumed, supported it.
For three years, this scribe has been saying it – MPPJ (the predecessor to the current city council – MBPJ) has been misusing its powers to raise money for its sports club and the football team. Over the past two weeks, these facts have been repeated and with new revelations, supported with documents.
But as early as June 2006, when the Sultan of Selangor expressed his unhappiness over complaints from PJ residents that the council was entering into dubious contracts, the deal with Seni Jaya was said to have been called off.
However, the then mayor, Datuk Ahmad Termizi Puteh (who was the second defendant in the suit) claimed that there was no deal and that Seni Jaya had merely made a proposal.
He did not tell the whole story. At the time he described it as a mere proposal, the council had already approved the deal on Dec 22 as court documents show and a meeting was held in May to study the terms of the contract.
We lambasted the council and poured scorn on their actions, in many critical columns.
There was no response to the commentary laden with disdain. We remarked: Those in authority can take money from anyone; spend it as they like; give contracts to their friends and cronies; transfer revenue meant for the government to private accounts and above all, declare themselves immune from any form of investigation or action.
There is no respect for rules and regulations; there is total disregard for established norms; transparency and accountability are bad words; and it is an offence to question their actions and deeds.
Has Selangor descended to a state where jungle law rules? Who will save the citizens from being made to pay for the excesses of the administrators? Who will prevent the savaging of state funds? Who will stop the plundering and the pillage of the environment? Who will put an end to the one-man rule?
Today, we stand vindicated. The Shah Alam High Court ruling was explicit – the sports club has no legal standing to act as an agent or a conduit for funds meant for the council.
We cannot turn the clock back. No one knows where the money went and who the beneficiaries were. Even if we knew, we have no power to do anything.
But as right-minded Malaysians who want a clean system which will be beneficial to all and sundry, we only push for the authorities to push the wheels in motion with a view to bringing the wrongdoers to justice.
To our many readers who stood by us steadfastly in our fight for accountability and transparency, we thank you for your unstinted support and be assured that we will continue to be your eyes and ears.