SET UP URBAN GOVERNANCE INSTITUTE

PETALING JAYA: A government-funded Institute of Urban Governance has to be set up to better serve cities and towns. Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, who made the call, said the development and management of urban centres was among the major challenges faced by the Government due to rapid urbanisation. He said the concentration of development and human activities in cities and towns had exposed the population there to an environment that was “physically, psychologically and socially taxing”, leading to a host of complex urban problems.“It is time for the Government to set up an institute for urban governance, which can function as a national resources and training centre for urban governance and development,” Lee said in a statement.

Lee said such an institute could help facilitate research by providing support to academicians and individuals to undertake research, and also provide consultancy on urban issues.He suggested that academic experts, research organisations and government agencies conduct academic programmes in urban planning for local government officials and others to better manage towns and cities. “Urbanisation should lead to community spirit-building. Where urban centres are built, pro-active efforts must be taken to build a sense of community and belonging among the multi-ethnic residents,” he added.

edited from The Star 17 February 2007

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- The government should set up an Institute of Township Management to serve as a centre of excellence for local government administration, suggests social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.Lee said such an institute could also carry out research work and offer advice on issues involving township management, besides organising courses and training for local government officers."While Malaysia is undergoing rapid township or municipality development, the provision of various services to residents should be part of the national agenda," he said in a statement issued here Sunday.

As such, he said, many technical staff in areas such as planning, architecture, engineering and other professional fields would have to be recruited to increase the capacity of the local governments in administering their respective areas."The local governments must also be sensitive to public grouses and opinions in order to function effectively."In this respect, the public must be encouraged to voice out their views and to participate by being part of the consultative committees set up."Lee said 60 per cent of Malaysia's population now lived in the towns and cities, indicating rapid urban development due to rural-urgan migration.

edited from Bernama 8 February 2009