How to make authorities hear your concerns on new developments

• The effectiveness of voicing your feedback, opinion or objection to proposed projects in your area can vary depending on a range of factors such as the specific context, level of community engagement and the nature of development, as well as the degree of responsiveness of key decision makers.

In Malaysia, it is not uncommon to hear of protests against proposed developments, such as new high-rise, urban renewal or transportation infrastructure projects, when the affected community perceives them to be detrimental to the neighbourhood with over-population or negative impacts on life quality or the environment. 

However, the effectiveness of voicing your feedback, opinion or objection to such new developments can vary depending on a range of factors such as the specific context, level of community engagement and the nature of development, as well as the degree of responsiveness of key decision makers.

Unity is strength

From my observation, it usually begins with some like-minded owners taking an interest in the changes to their neighbourhood or community. From thereon, a small group of residents and even business owners will then band together, usually on a voluntary basis, to address the issues. Without the few interested and dedicated owners to spearhead the forming of a committee, the probability of getting anywhere when dealing with issues would be slow or zero. A united group with a common interest generates synergy that equips you to better resolve outstanding issues. Together participants have the advantage of numbers. Even political pressures may be generated because, as the saying goes, "politics is a game of numbers".

Although the nature of the galvanisation is voluntary, the actions have to be professional enough. Only then will it merit serious attention by the authorities. This is because they involve people, business owners and their considerable investments. And as a word of caution, anything that borders on personal, offensive and inflammatory remarks, especially the 3Rs (race, religion and royal institution) would straightaway render your actions unprofessional and undermine your cause. 

Let me share some ways in which such groups can speak up. The suggestions are by no means exhaustive and credit goes to ChatGPT too, where some interesting and common-sense pointers have been drawn. 

All ways and means

Speaking up can take various forms, depending on your goals, resources, and the nature of the development. Here are some common ways:

1.     Petitions: Start or sign a petition to demonstrate community opposition to the development. Collecting signatures can show local authorities or developers the level of public concern. The organisers could leverage the wide and fast reach of online portals which are readily available through the internet, various social media platforms and interest groups (or create an interest group yourself).

2.     Public meetings: Make sure you attend public meetings, briefings, presentations or hearings organised by the city councils or local municipal councils where the development plans or urban renewal plans are presented. This provides an opportunity to voice your concerns directly to decision makers and the public. Sometimes, there are focus groups that are formed for the purpose of discussing the development and the impact on the surrounding neighbourhood.

3.     Letter writing/campaigns: Write letters to the relevant local government officials, planning departments, or press to give your feedback or opinion on the development. Organise letter-writing campaigns to amplify your message.

4.     Community organising: There is strength in numbers. Mobilise your local community to raise awareness and build solidarity among residents and owners who oppose the developments. There are numerous instances where unfavourable plans and policies have been halted by vigorous objections and reservations by members of the public, non-governmental organisations, institute of learnings or Members of Parliament. 

5.     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 piece is a short newspaper column that represents the strong, informed, and focused opinion of a writer on an issue of relevance to a targeted audience. It is a written prose piece which expresses the opinion of an author or entity with no affiliation with the publication's editorial board. The term is short for "opposite the editorial page", referring to the practice of newspapers placing op-eds on the opposite side of their editorial page.)

6.     Social media campaigns: Utilise social media platforms to spread information and rally support. Hashtags, online petitions, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and sharing relevant content can help amplify your message. Ensure that the message, whether print media or electronic media, is accurate to avoid mis-interpretation that could deviate or stray from its true purposes.

7.     Collaboration with advocacy groups: Partner with local advocacy organisations, environmental groups, or community associations that share your concerns to amplify your efforts and leverage their resources and expertise.

8.       Public interest litigation: Explore legal avenues to challenge the development, such as filing appeals, seeking injunctions, or pursuing environmental or zoning lawsuits, if applicable. Here you may require crowdfunding to launch a legal challenge. Seek out the Malaysian Bar Council for directions and possible intervention to undertake “public interest litigation”. 

9.    Boycotts or economic pressure: Consider boycotting businesses associated with the development or organising economic pressure campaigns targeting their stakeholders or investors.

10.   Direct action: Peaceful protests and “sit-ins” can draw attention to your cause and disrupt the development process. However, be mindful of legal implications and potential consequences, especially police permits being a necessity. Be mindful to obey the boundaries set by the law and always prioritise safety and respect for others. Additionally, consider long-term strategies for influencing decision-making processes beyond immediate protests. 

11.   Political engagement: Engage with elected officials (like Members of Parliament, assemblymen, councillors, penghulu, etc), candidates or political parties who may have influence over the development process. Supporting candidates who align with your views can impact decision-making.

12.  Education and outreach: Educate your community about the potential impacts of the development and alternative solutions. Providing factual information and engaging in constructive dialogue can help sway public opinion.

13. Strong leadership

Good leadership can make a difference in effective communication. Selecting a leader who has the right quality, strength and strategies can lead to a more productive and reasonable solution. 

Read: Choose the right leaders and prosper

Ultimately, an educational process

However, it's important to acknowledge that speaking up may not always achieve its desired outcomes, especially if decision-makers are hell-bent to proceed with the development despite opposition. Additionally, raising awareness can sometimes result in backlash or unintended consequences. 

However, the process of speaking up and raising awareness is in itself an educational process where you learn about rights (and wrongs), facts (versus fiction), the roles and responsibilities as property owners or residents and the importance of community living (versus living in silo). 

Ultimately, the effectiveness of speaking-up and/or protests depends on various factors, including the strategies employed, the level of community support and organisation, the receptiveness of decision-makers and broader socio-political dynamics. 

In some cases, protests may lead to significant changes or even the cancellation of a development project, while in other cases, they may serve primarily as a means of expressing dissent and raising awareness. 

Datuk Chang Kim Loong is the honorary secretary-general of the National House Buyers Association (HBA).
HBA can be contacted at:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hba.org.my
Tel: +6012 334 5676

The views expressed are the writer’s and do not necessarily reflect EdgeProp’s.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided in this article is accurate, reliable, and complete as of the time of writing, it is for general information only, and should not be relied upon to make any financial, investment, real estate or legal decisions. The information should not substitute advice from trained professionals, and we accept no liability if you use the information to make decisions.

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