Thursday, February 14, 2008

What are the Ipoh City Councilors doing?

Political appointees to the Ipoh City Council have recently been roused awake to carry out their sworn duties... just because the election is around the corner!

After every election, we see these gentlemen and ladies being rewarded to the high-profile position of City Councilor with all the rights and benefits of this position (which includes the 'study tour' holiday to foreign countries), then sleep on their job for the next 4-5 years at the very expense of you and I, the taxpayers!

Then the next round of elections come and these 'representatives' of the local residents (just like their elected political bosses) would suddenly be the most hardworking citizen, crying foul and raising hell with the City Council officers over every tiny issue affecting their area of supervision. At times, it is hilarious how they vie over the tiniest publicity exposure and playing oneupmanship over one another in zealous frenzy to prove their 'worthiness' as champions of the people so that they can be reappointed.

How sad for all of us! Where were they when we need them to fight for our rights over simple tasks we pay the City Council to handle. Uncollected rubbish is left to rot and clogged drains are conveniently forgotten to be cleared until the next dengue outbreak or flooding in the vicinity! Where were they when the local council demolished temples and religious freedom is being silenced? Where were they when power is abused and authority is misused for personal benefits at the expense of the common people?

But they are always there at the forefront when there is favorable publicity mileage to be gained, when food and drinks are served, and recognition is given!

Isn't it time to change the system? Change right from the top at Parliament, at the State, down to the local city and municipal levels. Change the practice of political handouts, cronyism and other forms of political patronage! Change by electing new and responsible leaders at all levels because you are the reason these Councilors are there to do their job!!