Friday, May 18, 2007

Dear Mr. Mayor, sir...

City Hall has allocated RM 21.5 million for 50 CCTV's and 225 "intergrated transport information system electronic display boards" (read here )
May I address this personal appeal to our good Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan

Dear Sir,
With all due respect, don't you think, given the current snatch thieves, pick-pockets,sex fiends and other "mat rempit" crimes which are almost everyday recurrance in your city, surveillance on the city streets and public places like train and bus stations should be the top priority on your "to do" list ? Everyone should be assured of a safe and pleasant journey within your city's limits sir, most especially the tax-paying inner city-dwellers or commuters who come into the city and are dependant on the not too great public transport services provided, on a daily basis. Have you actually been on the ground, unannounced and without your entourage of escorts, to actually see and feel how it is, in all the corners of your city ?



Honestly sir, the crime rate in the city has entered to a new and appalling level. And if there is any relief for commuters in the city, you should double ...no triple the installation of CCTV's (hopefully in working condition !) at all stategic places and not just the tourist infested places,and please do stop wasting money on things like plastic tree trunks and monkey-cups (as that at the Dataran) and artificial waterfalls to impress the tourist and visitors who'd breeze in and leave after a few days.Indeed it is nice to see the many tiny lights-bulbs drapping the canopy of old trees along prominent streets for the night viewing pleasure of the many tourist here, and I'm not against all this beautification projects... but look Mr. Mayor sir, ..you forget....we live here !
And the point I'm raising here is , sir... We, the city-dwellers and commuters to the city, must feel safe and happy living and/or working here ! Simple as that ! Everyday crimes are commited and the perpetrators are getting brasher by the day in the absolute confidence and knowledge that they cannot be identified nor are there any police or security personel present. Why ?? Lack of funds ??Where are the CCTV recordings of crimes ? Or is it our "Malaysian" way to only impress the visitors...?Just walk into any police station and check the number of "daily crimes" reported and times(x) that by three...only a third actually make a police report of crimes that happen...most don't even bother to report because they know they will only be given the run-around by the powers that be and may end up banging their heads against the wall..eerrrhh.. artificial tree-trunk !!!
Good night Mr. Mayor and pleasant dreams .
Thank you.
Stephen Francis.

p.s. If you have the time sir, please read this 13 year olds' take on the same subject here .