26 November 2013

Press statement by MCA Federal Territory Chairman Datuk Seri Tan Chai Ho

Hold detailed study on public impact before implementing hikes to DBKL assessment rate

The proposal by Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) to increase the valuation of property, leading to a hike in assessment rate in Kuala Lumpur has caused residents to be upset. Therefore, before any government department formulates policy adjustments, an in-depth research should be carried out to gauge the possible impacts on the residents.

Although the DBKL Mayor Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib has confirmed that property in Kuala Lumpur will be raised and that the proposed amount will be re-evaluated to soften the burden on rate payers, DBKL should have obtained and considered public feedback first. DBKL should not have hastily churned out such plans. It is only after public uproar, that further proposals for low and middle-cost properties are being mulled.

It is not only DBKL, but other government departments too have launched new measures without consulting the public, only to soften or modify the policy after heated resistance. If a policy can be so easily adjusted or withdrawn, then initial impact studies, public consultation and social communication should have been conducted to reduce the possibility of public backlash.

DBKL had justified that it has been 21 years since the assessment rates have been revised. However, it should not have proposed a substantial climb within such short notice.

As the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur has always been the center of culture, education, politics and economy for the city’s 1.5million population. DBKL must be committed to meeting the needs of residents who live and work in Kuala Lumpur. As a high ranking official, the Mayor needs to take up the responsibility of caring for the rakyat. If the authorities slow to deliver good governance, improve efficiency, not only are the lives of the residents affected, but the credibility of the authorities are also undermined.

Times have changed. Policy makers cannot simply just stay in the office and expect all policies for the city will be lauded. On the contrary, policy makers must approach the rakyat, and listen to the voices of the people. I would like to suggest that in future, before DBKL introduces any new policy, a thorough research must firstly be carried out and public views sought.

In this context on the jump in KL assessment rates, MCA Federal Territory will continue on our signature drive to convey the public’s grievances to DBKL.

Datuk Seri Tan Chai Ho
MCA Federal Territory Chairman