Tale of two cities.
By: (Tue, 21 Sep 2010)I SPENT the whole of last week in two different parts of the world – different, yet similar in so many ways. On a press junket to the Shanghai World Expo courtesy of Carlsberg Malaysia, the first thing that catches one’s attention is the cleanliness of the city of 23 million.
Busing through Pudong to the hotel overlooking the historic Bund, the traffic management brings new meaning to the term Chinese precision. As the city’s 15 million vehicles ply the 7,000 sq km with traffic jams, which according to the locals that are "bearable".
Having experienced a couple myself, I can vouch that it was nothing like the ones we experience in the Klang Valley – although one contact was late by almost an hour for our rendezvous at my hotel.
Entering the public toilets, one can understand why some of our politicians took the trouble to take the five-hour flight for a lawatan sambil belajar to study jambans in this city. The numerous signs that say "no dirtying" or "no littering" are not just empty threats as any breach of rules is met with fines and terms of community service.
This brings us to the environment, where the Chinese government had spent over RM3.5 billion to clean up the city’s waterways. It is also taking initiatives to reduce greenhouse gases by promoting LPG for public transport and investing in bio-fuels.
Even with one’s limited Mandarin, getting around is easy as the residents are welcoming of foreigners. Hence while there were more than 130 countries at the World Expo, the event was more of a showcase of Shanghai and the Chinese and what they are capable of.
They don’t call Shanghai China’s showcase city for nothing. With its imposing skyscrapers, tourist and commuter-friendly transport, a burgeoning real estate that draws foreigners and mushrooming language centres that reflect the number of foreigners living and working here, this city is also a financial centre that puts Wall Street to shame, especially when it has strict fiscal controls and where corruption is dealt with swiftly.
The people are proud of their city as our guide Patricia implored us to tell the world that being a communist country doesn’t mean that China is backward and only known for making cheap toys.
A plethora of faiths from Buddhism to Islam and vast number of communities that include Jews live peacefully, albeit regulated by the central authority hence there is no room for anti-Semitism and bigotry. Certainly does throw the whole concept of communism and socialism out of whack.
The second half of last week was spent closer to home. Penang to be precise. They always say that if you want to know exactly how the people are taking to the present government, don’t read the papers but hop into a taxi driven by a Malay cabby and he’ll tell you.
So far, other than strict enforcement of parking regulations and an unfriendly squatter policy which it inherited from its predecessor, I have yet to hear of any criticism against the state government.
The traffic flow is smoother, with wider roads and traffic management that includes summonses for indiscriminate parking.
The stench that used to emanate along the Esplanade in Gurney Drive is gone as are the crows, whose presence indicate rubbish heaps.
The state government’s recognition of the humble road sweeper with awards and cash incentives goes a long way in improving the civil service as is the transfer and forced resignation of certain council officials.
That Penang helped Malaysia improve its rankings in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, coupled with investments of over RM1 billion, seem to cement the fact that irrespective of your political leanings, this state government seems to be doing something right.
Having set the bar high, Penang has become the benchmark that all Pakatan Rakyat-ruled states to live up to. Just like Shanghai is to China, Penang is a showcase state to PR.
However, it may be a victim of its own success as the ordinary Joe finds it more difficult to own a home on the island. With development geared towards high-end residential property, developers are targeting the rich as well as expatriates.
This leaves the average-income earner with little option but to opt for flats in the suburbs or on the mainland.
Just like any country or state that is experiencing rapid progress, there are a few who will slip through the cracks. How they deal with the most vulnerable of society is what is going to set them apart from other developing societies.
Shanghai has a Medi-Care trust involving RM2 million donated by the private sector for the care of the elderly.
In Penang, cash aid to the poor should be the catalyst of a more holistic approach to care for urban poor, something that nationally we are gravely lacking.
At the end of the day, the theme from the World Expo, "Better City, Better Life" should remind us that economic progress should also mean an improvement to one’s overall well-being. And this includes doing the necessary for us to live in harmony with the elements as well as one another.
Watch this space for Terence’s experience at the World Expo, including the Malaysian Pavilion. Feedback: terence@thesundaily.com
Frankly, I am a 'fan' of Terence Fernandez and Citizen Nades, both known for their investigative and fair reporting. Personally, I've a few friends who are Penangites, who've told me how happy they are with the current state government.
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