Residents vent fury on aides
18/06/2008 NST By Naveen Mathew Menon

Deputy Minister Datuk M. Saravanan couldn’t attend a function with residents, who then turned on his aides

KUALA LUMPUR: The residents of Razak Mansion, in Jalan Sungei Besi, were disappointed they didn't get to speak to Deputy Minister of Federal Territories Datuk M. Saravanan on Sunday.

So, his representatives bore the brunt of their dissatisfaction. The residents, of the low-cost apartment complex, complained about loitering drug addicts, tone-deaf singers waking up the neighbourhood, out-of-order fire extinguishers, problems with rubbish, snatch thefts and birds nesting in Tenaga National electricity switchboard rooms.

Saravanan had been unable to attend an outdoor event meant to strengthen relations between City Hall and the residents because of a death in his family.

He was represented by his principal private secretary, Thangaperumal Andimuthu, and special officer Chan Kim Leong.

Many of the residents complained that their flats were too small because they had to share them with extended families.

They asked to be allowed to occupy the 100 unsold units in the 661-unit complex.

Thangaperumal advised them to make a list of their grievances and hand it to the leaders of their residents' association to be passed on to City Hall and the ministry.

He said Saravanan had asked him to tell them that he would meet them in the near future and would make it his mission to solve their woes.

He pointed out that the government had many programmes to help the poor.

"The government helps the poor in various ways. For example, it gives rent subsidies through the Housing and Local Government Ministry to those earning below RM700."

He advised residents who did not understand the procedures to get help to get the right forms and to submit them to the appropriate authorities.

Thangaperumal said the residents' association would work with police to combat crime in the area. He said members had already agreed to take turns patrolling the area.