MPPJ's (Petaling Jaya Municipal Council) refusal to disclose their accounts is seen as a failure in inculcating transparency, accountability and good governance.

Petaling Jaya is turning into a city on June 20 yet there is hardly any excitement in the air as the budget set for the celebration was slashed from RM7.5 million to RM2 million.

From that, MPPJ City Day Celebration Budget Committee officer Ikhwan Salim Sujuk said that "PJ cannot claim to the world that is has become a city".

This invoked a response from Selangor DAP Publicity secretary Lau Weng San (left) that if Ikhwan's view was representative of local government officers then "they have failed to understand the real substance in celebrating PJ's City Day."

Lau said that MPPJ is capable of being a good role model for local councils in Selangor as well as local councils nationwide.

"MPPJ can actually become a good role model (if they are) willing to provide greater accountability and transparency in any aspect of its administration as well as providing greater consultation with the residents regarding any local projects".

However, MPPJ has failed to do so and has resulted in a non people-oriented official fiesta with little participation from its residents who do not feel the significance in PJ obtaining city status.

Disclose details

Meanwhile, it was reported that the All PJ Pro Action Committee (Appac) will lodge a police report against MPPJ for the council's failure to give satisfactory explanation and response to a memorandum raising concerns on alleged mismanagement of taxpayers funds.

Appac chairperson Edward Lee (right) was quoted as saying that such demands for transparency are made in compliance with Local Agenda 21 precepts and as stakeholders and taxpayers.

"We are asking MPPJ to be allowed to attend the meetings for the hearing to consider the concessions terms and conditions."

"This will give residents the opportunity to voice their objections to any unfair conditions that may slip through before approval is given for signature".

The DAP PJ Action Team will lodge a police report against MPPJ, demanding for full disclosure of details on certain issues including the 15-year concession given to Seni Jaya Sdn Bhd, the agreement between the ministry and Poly Dimension Sdn Bhd to build overhead bridges and gantries along the Federal Highway in PJ.