Here's report of what's happening in Perak up north. I think there are also similar cases of "misuse" of public facilities in the red dot, where the ruling party has unimpeded access and use of community facilities built with public money, but which access is denied to other political parties by licencing or permit conditions.
Tuesday September 16, 2008 MYT 6:05:24 PM
Councils taking over community halls to prevent political misuse
By CHRISTINA KOH and SYLVIA LOOI
IPOH: The Perak Government has directed all councils to take over the administration of local community halls to prevent misuse by any political party.
State Education, Local Government, Housing and Public Transport Committee chairman Nga Kor Ming said this was because in the past, the previous administration had “misused” community halls by banning non-Barisan Nasional parties from using them.
“Therefore in order to curb abuse and protect public interest, the state has decided to let the councils and JKKK (Village Security and Development Committee) take over the control and management of these halls.
“All community halls belong to the people and not to any political party,” said Nga in response to Chenderiang assemblyman Dr Mah Hang Soon, who had criticised the Pakatan Rakyat government for taking over a hall in Bukit Pagar, Tapah.
Dr Mah had accused the state of taking over community halls that were built by the previous Barisan administration, which earned him a ticking-off.
“These halls were built by Barisan, but using the people’s funds. Please distinguish the difference,” Nga said.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/16/nation/20080916180431&sec=nation
Tuesday September 16, 2008 MYT 6:05:24 PM
Councils taking over community halls to prevent political misuse
By CHRISTINA KOH and SYLVIA LOOI
IPOH: The Perak Government has directed all councils to take over the administration of local community halls to prevent misuse by any political party.
State Education, Local Government, Housing and Public Transport Committee chairman Nga Kor Ming said this was because in the past, the previous administration had “misused” community halls by banning non-Barisan Nasional parties from using them.
“Therefore in order to curb abuse and protect public interest, the state has decided to let the councils and JKKK (Village Security and Development Committee) take over the control and management of these halls.
“All community halls belong to the people and not to any political party,” said Nga in response to Chenderiang assemblyman Dr Mah Hang Soon, who had criticised the Pakatan Rakyat government for taking over a hall in Bukit Pagar, Tapah.
Dr Mah had accused the state of taking over community halls that were built by the previous Barisan administration, which earned him a ticking-off.
“These halls were built by Barisan, but using the people’s funds. Please distinguish the difference,” Nga said.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/16/nation/20080916180431&sec=nation
