I refer to the Malaysiakini reports MB: 'Zero squatters' policy to continue and Khir to MB, exco: Declare assets.

It is interesting to note that the mainstream press seems to be very interested to see how the opposition performs in the four new states that it has acquired besides Kelantan. The basic feeling seems to be that the mainstream press itself cannot take the loss of its political masters ie. the BN coalition, in the recent general elections.

The attacks on the current opposition held states is just as it was when the BN was in total control. It is perhaps with disgust and disbelief that they report with a lot of sarcasm.

One wonders if Khalid Ibrahim, the new mentri besar of Selangor is supposed to be inexperienced, what was Dr Khir Toyo when he was an unknown dentist picked by Dr Mahathir to lead Selangor when Abu Hassan Omar stepped down? Wasn't he an inexperienced person thrust to the pinnacle of power in the most developed state - Selangor?

I would perhaps agree with Khir that the PKR walks its talk by forcing its elected members to declare what they have. If there is nothing to hide, then why should they be afraid?

Squatters being a problem in Selangor, the matter should have been handled with more public relations tack. ‘Zero squatters’ is something which the state government just cannot achieve because it is people that we are talking about here.

A socially responsible government should allow squatters if it cannot find an alternative for them. Developers and landowners should be made to understand that if they cannot build what the people can buy with their little income, then they might as well give up the hope of developing and go into other businesses.

The squatter problem was highlighted by the opposition when they were in the sidelines shouting for the rights of the people - what has happened to that enthusiasm?

The new Selangor administration should concentrate on the livelihoods of the people by finding ways to alleviate the pressures of the rising cost of living rather than continuing with the politics of development. What is the use of development if only the rich can afford housing?

The new administration should take a crash course from PAS on how to run a state. A more socially-conscientious state is what Selangorians want. If squatters can be relocated into properly administered villages, why shouldn't that be the case?

Perhaps the state government can then liaise with the landowners to see how small amounts of taxes can be collected until a time comes when the squatters themselves can offer to buy the plots that they squat on. These may be bold moves but the Selangor state government can always consider this by having discussions with the representatives of the affected parties.

The people want better governance and they are prepared to accept that the new administrators are learning as the go long as they have the people’s best interests at the heart of their political struggle.

Or else the tsunami that came will be wiped out by another typhoon.