Contributed by Datuk Chang Kim Loong
IT usually begins with some like-minded owners taking an interest in the changes to their neighbourhood. These changes could be triggered by a proposed development or urban renewal project that will impact the community.
From there, a group of residents and business owners will band together to address the challenges. A united group with a common interest generates synergy that helps to resolve outstanding issues.
The effectiveness of giving feedback or voicing your objection on a proposed development in your neighbourhood can vary depending on a range of factors such as the level of community engagement, nature of the project, and even the responsiveness of key decision-makers.
Together, participants have the advantage of numbers. Even political pressure may be generated because, as the saying goes, politics is a game of numbers.
Although such feedback is done on a voluntary basis, the effort must be serious and professional. Only then will it merit attention by the authorities. So how does one speak up effectively without being personal, offensive and inflammatory?
The following are some ways in which groups can speak up. Credit also goes to ChatGPT from which some interesting and commonsense pointers are extracted.
Petitions: Start or sign a petition to demonstrate community opposition to the development. Collecting signatures may show local authorities or developers the level of public concern. The organisers could leverage on online portals that are readily available through social media, Tik Tok and interest groups (or create one).
Public meetings: Make sure you attend public meetings, briefings, presentations or hearings organised by the local councils where the development or urban renewal plans are submitted. It’s a chance to voice your concerns directly to decision-makers and the public. Sometimes, focus groups are formed for the purpose of discussing the development and its impact on the surrounding area.
Letter writing and campaigns: Write letters to the relevant officials, planning departments, and newspapers to give your opinion on the proposed development. Organise letter-writing campaigns to amplify your message.
Organise the community: You have strength in numbers. Mobilise your local community to raise awareness and build solidarity among residents and owners who oppose the project. Those in power could be hell bent on proceeding with the new development or legislation even with objections and reservations by NGOs and Members of Parliament.
Media outreach: Engage with local media outlets to publicise your concerns and garner broader community support. This could involve writing op-eds, contacting journalists or organising interviews. (An op-ed is a short newspaper article that represents the informed and focused opinion of a writer on an issue of relevance.)
Social media: Use social media platforms to spread information and rally support. Hashtags, online petitions, Facebook, Tik Tok, YouTube and sharing relevant content can help amplify your message. Make sure that your message is accurate to avoid misinterpretation.
Advocacy groups: Partner with local advocacy organisations, environmental groups or community associations that share your concerns to leverage on their resources and expertise.
Public interest litigation: Explore legal avenues to challenge the development, such as filing appeals, seeking injunctions or pursuing environmental or zoning lawsuits, if applicable. You may require crowdfunding to launch a legal challenge. Seek out the Bar Council for directions and possible intervention to undertake public interest litigation.
Boycott or economic pressure: Consider boycotting businesses associated with the development or organising economic pressure campaigns targeting stakeholders or investors.
Direct Action: Peaceful protests and sit-ins can draw attention to your cause and disrupt the development process. But be mindful of legal implications and potential consequences. Obey the boundaries set by the law, such as getting police permits, and prioritise safety. Additionally, consider long-term strategies beyond immediate protests.
Political engagement: Contact elected officials (MPs, assemblymen, councillors, penghulu) who may have influence over the development process. Lobbying or voting for candidates who align with your views can impact decision-making.
Education and outreach: Educate your community about the potential impact of the development and alternative solutions. Engaging in constructive dialogue can help sway public opinion.
Quality leadership: Good leadership can make a difference for effective communication. Selecting a leader who has the right qualities and correct strategies can lead to a more reasonable solution.
To conclude, speaking up may not always achieve the desired outcome especially when decision-makers are determined to proceed with the development. Raising awareness can sometimes result in backlash or unintended consequences.
However, the process of speaking up and raising awareness is an educational process where one learns about rights (and wrongs), facts (versus fiction), the responsibilities of property owners, and the importance of community living.
In some cases, protests may lead to significant changes or even the cancellation of a development project. In other cases, they may serve primarily as a means of expressing dissent and raising awareness.
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