COMMENT | When it comes to standing up to authoritative directives that are seen as unfair, unproductive, or destructive, it boils down to the mettle of the people who stand up and say “no”.

Three state-council engagements did not yield the desired results, but rather a rebuff. The cajoling was rejected, the threats muffed, and even the sweeteners were denied.

Yesterday, Members of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) stood as the last bastion against directives being imposed on local authorities.

According to a state government source, whilst three other local authorities fell by the wayside, sacrificing millions in revenue, Petaling Jaya City Council stood defiantly against the proposed privatisation of street parking.