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Lawyer sets up blog to ‘watch’ conditions in JB |
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Tuesday, 12 February 2008 09:11am |
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©The
Star (Used by permission)
by Nelson Benjamin
JOHOR BARU: The poor state of affairs involving infrastructure and cleanliness
in some parts of the city has prompted a local lawyer to set up a web log
highlighting the problems.
Norman Fernandez, who set up the Johor Baru Watch blog last month, said he was
acting as the “eyes and ears” for local councils by writing about his experience
involving pot holes, stickers and dirty toilets.
“My mobile phone has a camera and whenever I travel around my area, I just take
shots of these eyesores and safety hazards,” he said, adding that he then
uploaded the photos onto his blog.
Fernandez said he highlighted a story about the worst toilet
in the town centre at a taxi station which locals and foreigners used.
“I came across it when I returned from Singapore and had to use the toilet at
the station.
“When I was there, a Japanese tourist who had gone in before me came out within
seconds as he could not stand the condition of the toilet,” said the state DAP
vice chairman.
“We always hear about people complaining that the councils are not doing enough
or slow in acting. This is why I am doing my part to keep the council informed.
“I hope the authorities, especially the Johor Baru City Council, will take
notice of these problems and attend to them,” he said, adding that JB - as the
city is affectionately called - was now referred to as Jalan Berlubang
(pot-holed road) or Jenayah Banyak (crime-ridden).
Fernandez was quick to add that his blog was not just for criticising but also
for commending authorities if they did a good job.
“A few days ago, my friend got an international passport within 45 minutes at
the Immigration Department,” he said.
Fernandez, who is expected to contest in the general elections, called on others
to join him by contributing photos and stories for the blog.
“I will have to vet the stories to ensure the blog is not misused,” he said,
adding that he could be contacted by e-mail at anfalaw@streamyx.com
Those wanting to view the blog can visit
www.johorbahruwatch.blogspot.com
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Circular No 297/2008
This is indeed a brilliant initiative by Norman Fernandez. We must have more of this. I just hope the local councils will visit this blog from everyday to see where they can improve.
I can say this though: between now and the end of elections, every pothole, dirty toilet and clogged drain you highlight will be remedied in no time. After that, you would be considered lucky if managed an appointment with the peon at the local councils.
Dipendra H Rai