DEPUTY Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s comment that there are many weaknesses in local councils is very true and timely, “Consult first” (The Star, Sept 26). 

Attracted by the Malaysia My Second Home programme, we decided to stay in Penang.  

My friend and I invested in a piece of land. Our qualified and experienced architect submitted our plans to the Penang Municipal Council for permission to build two bungalows. 

Despite meeting all planning and technical requirements, we have not obtained approval even after nine months. 

This is a simple application that does not involve change of land use.  

We understand from internal sources that the officers responsible are concerned with a few high profile projects on the island, thus having no time for small projects. 

We do not have the resources to “push” our plans like what the developers do, so we are at the mercy of the council officers.  

For decades, there has been talk of speeding up development.  

Our case proves that if no dramatic change is carried out, there is no hope of getting plans approved in four months as was targeted by the Deputy Prime Minister. 

In Malaysia, structural engineering plans are submitted by engineers and do not need council approval. 

We can take this further by out-sourcing the approval of small and medium-sized projects to private-sector planners and architects. 

Their approval will be based on explicit planning and building guidelines so that planning requirements are protected. 

This procedure is already adopted in Brisbane, Australia.