LETTER | A city cannot be sustainable without its people. Public participation is more than a civic formality. It is the cornerstone of democratic development and a measure of how sincere a system is in embracing shared responsibility.
True sustainability cannot be engineered in boardrooms alone. It must be cultivated in classrooms, town halls, and community spaces where people live, work, and dream.
Public engagement must begin with knowledge and awareness. Citizens should understand the value of sustainability, not just in abstract terms, but in practical ways that affect their daily lives: clean air, affordable housing, safe streets, efficient transport, and resilient local economies.
But awareness does not grow on its own; it must be nurtured deliberately through consistent public education, transparent communication, and easily accessible information.
Unfortunately, this is where many systems falter. In much of our country, sustainability is still perceived as a government matter rather than a shared societal goal.
Campaigns remain sporadic, consultations are often selective, and when public input is invited, it can feel more symbolic than impactful.
This disconnect has real consequences. In recent years, public frustration has grown over worsening traffic congestion and the lack of accessible social and recreational infrastructure in newly developed areas.
Many people who moved into so-called “sustainable townships” were drawn in by green branding and polished brochures, but now find themselves trapped in long commutes, poorly connected neighbourhoods, and communities with insufficient parks, public spaces, or childcare centres.
The promise of sustainability was used as a marketing slogan, not as a lived reality.
Such experiences have led to rising stress, deteriorating mental well-being, and a growing distrust in development promises. This is what happens when planning is done without the people who are most affected.
Projects that overlook the daily realities of residents, like transport links, school access, and community health, have failed to deliver true sustainability, no matter how many trees are planted or solar panels installed.
Involving the public in urban regeneration
And this isn’t only a concern for new housing developments. Similar principles must be applied to urban regeneration strategies.
As the government prepares to table the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) bill, possibly not even this year, it is crucial that the issue of public participation is addressed now and should not be treated as an afterthought, but as a foundation.
Urban regeneration affects existing communities, many of whom fear displacement, rising living costs, or the loss of cultural identity.
If the public is not genuinely involved in shaping regeneration plans, we risk repeating past mistakes. We have to stop creating polished urban facades that overlook the lived realities of the people they are meant to serve.
Every government project, whether it’s a road, a school, a housing scheme, or a regeneration programme, should be rooted in public participation from the very beginning.
The planning stage should involve community needs assessments, open forums, and mechanisms to gather local insights.
During implementation, updates must be shared regularly, and community representatives should be part of oversight efforts to ensure transparency and accountability.
Even after completion, the public should be involved in maintenance decisions, helping to shape how resources are allocated and ensuring the long-term success of the project.
Admittedly, this process can be tiring. It requires time, patience, coordination, and commitment.
But this is what sincerity looks like. Sustainability demands sincerity from policymakers, from developers, and from the public.
Quick fixes and top-down solutions may seem efficient, but they often fail to address the deeper needs of communities. Genuine participation may take longer, but it builds stronger, more lasting outcomes.
When people are included, they become stewards, not just spectators. Projects designed with public input are more likely to reflect real needs, earn local support, and stand the test of time.
Moreover, a participatory process fosters trust between citizens and government, and among citizens themselves, for sustainability is not just about managing resources; it’s about nurturing relationships.
It’s about ensuring that progress is not only efficient but also equitable. And that can only happen when people are part of the process from the first sketch to the final sign-off.
If we are to move toward a more sustainable, inclusive future, we must place public participation at the very heart of every initiative, from new housing developments to the regeneration of our urban centres.
Because without the people, there can be no progress and without sincerity, there can be no true sustainability.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
