There are many kinds of politicians in Malaysia. Some politicians like to do good and let their deeds be judged by the public at the ballot box. Then there are a kind that like to dig up dirt on their opponents and points out the flaw in others while trying to increase their political image. The third kind is worst of them all. They are the kind that preys on the miseries of others and twist their plight to promote their own agenda. These opportunists or also known as "barnacles" are like a parasite that enjoys the facilities of its host but at the same time defecates in it, making it impossible for everyone else to enjoy the facility.
Recently, the opposition has been highlighting the Pontian Flyover problems on the chinese press. It is hard not to suspect that the chinese press are not sleeping in the same bed as the opposition by the lopsided report on the Pontian Flyover problems.
Among the qualms are:
Taman Sri Skudai access road has been cut off and business has dropped. The main complain is that traffic from the north(ie Senai) will not be able to access directly into the main business center. Another complaint is that, the residents will have to travel a couple of km further to make a U turn if they wish to go to JB or Senai.
What strike me strange with the report is the one sidedness of it all. Where are the interviews with the people who has benefited from this structure? Maybe anyone from Pekan Nenas or Pontian will do. Or even Taman University or anybody from Senai because NOW there is no more jam at the intersection. Focusing their attention on a few provoked protesters from Taman Sri Skudai is bad journalism. Of course there will be changes in traffic pattern. Some people might be disadvantaged but no real study was done before the paper decided to highlight the alleged bad decision of the government to build the flyover.
The truth is Taman Sri Skudai was already a depressed area long before the flyover was even a figment of anybody's imagination. It was never a bustling business area and cheap rents encouraged the infestation of dirty illegal workshops in the area. The main problem could be the never ending traffic jam along Jalan Skudai in the 90s.
The Skudai - Pontian junction was also a major problem area until the flyover was opened not too long ago. Now, the traffic is clear until Senai and Pulai Perdana before the first traffic light appear. With this improvement, the population along the Pontian road will cut down their traveling time and could also benefit from an increase in real estate prices. Population from Taman Universiti, Desa Skudai, Pulai Perdana, Pulai Jaya up to Pekan Nenas will benefit from this flyover. In fact, the population from Taman Sri Skudai will not lose out too. With the jam gone, people will not be adverse to travel to Taman Sri Skudai anymore. Even if the access road is a bit further down the road, many road users will be thankful for the smooth and stress-free traffic. Long term study needs to be done to assess the effects of the flyover to not only the population of Taman Sri Skudai but also the surrounding areas and not forgetting Pekan Nenas, Ulu Choh, Pontian and Senai.
The economic and social benefit from this flyover will be tremendous. Let not the cries of a disgruntled and provoked few stain our judgment. There are forces out there that will take advantage of any situation (even a good one) just to score points with the political electorate. And as for the press covering this event, print the facts please. Take the RED pill.
No comments:
Post a Comment