National Dialogue on Urban Poverty 2015

CONFRONTING URBAN POVERTY WITHIN THE B40:

TOWARDS AN BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE MALAYSIA FOR ALL BY 2020

Partners in co organising the National Dialogue namely the Institute of Ethnic Studies, UKM; Yayasan Pemulihan Sosial (YPS), ASLI Centre for Public Policy Studies & Global Movement of Moderates

Dates:             August 4 & 5, 2015

Time:               2 to 6pm (on both days just the afternoons)

Venue:             Global Movement of Moderates (GMM), 15th Floor, Menara Manulife, No. 6, Jalan Gelenggang, Damansara Heights, KL

The Eleventh Malaysia Plan has rightly identified key strategies in addressing the needs, concerns and issues of the Bottom 40% (B40) in Malaysian society. There are about 2.7 million households in the B40 of whom 44% are in the rural where else 56% are in the urban areas.

These families have a collective household income of about RM 2,537.00 a month and below. Within this category of the B40 are the vulnerable poor who are identified as families with incomes between the Poverty line income and 2.5times PLI. In addition there are the aspirational poor who are families with income between 2.5 times the PLI and the national mean income

We are also told that of these 68% are bumiputras and the remaining 32% are non bumi’s. There is therefore an urgent need for a national strategy and national taskforce in addressing effective the needs, concerns and issues of the urban poor with the B40

Five major questions for the national dialogue is seeking answers and ensuring effective targeting, delivery and people empowerment at the grassroots

• ·         Public policies: Is there a neglect on urban poverty?
• ·         Crime, violence & dysfunctional families: Are these the root causes?
• ·         National unity and social cohesion: Is there an impact on ethnic relations and harmony at the neighbourhood level
• ·         Local government & delivery of services: Is the absence of local democracy a reason for weak delivery

·         11^th Malaysia Plan strategies: How to ensure the urban poor can experience social inclusion?

Some critical questions for our review:- 

“What are some real causes of Poverty? Are they not low education, poor education, unemployment illness, incapacity, poor productivity etc? Are there structures issues as well? Is this not due to Government neglect to extend its services to the real poor? Is it the lack of adequate focus and coordination of Government services that are now so dispersed and weak? Is it not the way the poor have to be classified into Categories of Capacity to rescue from Poverty and Low Incomes? Would the use of the old Tun Razak Red Book and Operation Room technique, to win the War against Poverty!”

The output of these national dialogues is a policy paper to the Prime Minister on ensuring the urban poor who are part of the B40 have equal opportunities in access to the programs and provisions for their social mobility.

Our call is for a special blue print on addressing the needs, issues and concerns of the urban poor B40 and the establishment of a special unity/taskforce in the PM office or Department to ensure effective coordination and delivery

NATIONAL DIALOGUE ONE:

CONFRONTING URBAN POVERTY WITHIN THE B40: TOWARDS AN INCLUSIVE AGENDA BY 2020

Date:                August 4, 2015 (Tuesday)

Time:               2.00pm to 6pm

Venue:             GMM, Conference Room, KL

Program

2.00pm            Registration & Coffee

2.30pm            Welcome & Session 1 Public policies: Is there a neglect on urban poverty in developing planning?

Moderator:       Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah (GMM)

Panel Speakers:

·         EPU representative

·         Mr Fabian Bigar NKRA Director on Low Income Households (Pemandu)

·         Dr Muhammed Abdul Khalid (Kazanah Research)

·         Prof Dr Mahendhiran Nair (Monash University)

4.00pm            Session 2         Crime, violence & dysfunctional families: Are these the root causes or manifestations of urban poverty?

One of the key issues in the urban hot spot neighbourhoods are issues pertaining to crime, violence, drugs & alcohol abuse. This aspects are not often recognised as manifestations of urban poverty needing comprehensive intervention in addressing social support and soicakl control systems in the neighbourhoods.

Panel speakers will review the initiatives so far and point out directions for the 11^th plan period so as to effective confront the root causes for anti-social and crime behaviour.

Moderator:       Tan Sri Michael Yeoh (ASLI) 

Panel speakers

·         PDRM Bukit Aman

·         Dato Dr Amir Khan, the NKRA Director on Crime (Pemandu)

·         Tan Sri Lee Lam Thy (Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF)

·         Mrs Jasmine Adaickalam (C Codes)

·         Dr Sundramoorthy from USM

5.30pm            Concluding Remarks: 11th Malaysia Plan strategies: How to ensure the urban poor can experience social inclusion? Drawing lessons for the two sessions By: Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria (KITA-UKM)

NATIONAL DIALOGUE TWO:

CONFRONTING URBAN POVERTY WITHIN THE B40: TOWARDS AN INCLUSIVE AGENDA BY 2020

Date:                August 5, 2015 (Wed)

Time:               2pm to 6pm

Venue:             GMM Conference Room, KL

Program

2.00am            Registration

2.30am            Welcome & Session 3             Urban Poverty and Social Cohesion: Is there an impact on ethnic relations and harmony at the neighbourhood level?

Moderator        Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah (GMM)

Panel Speakers

Mr Ho Khek Hua (IKLIN-JPNIN)

Mrs Jasmine Adaickalam (C Codes)

Mr Teo Ai Hua (Malaysian Association of Social Workers

Prof Suresh (University Malaya & Friendship Group- Sai Baba Services)

Dr. Wan Puspa Melati (School of Communication Studies, Segi University)

4.00                 Session 4         Local government & delivery of services: Is the absence of local democracy a reason for weak delivery, accountability & efficiency

Moderator        Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam (ASLI- CPPS)

Panel Speakers:

Representative from Ministry of Housing & Local Government

Ms Cynthia Gabriel (MBPJ Councillor & C4 - Centre To Combat Corruption And

Cronyism)

Mr Jeffry Phang (UTAR & Residents association)

Mr K. Arumugam (Tamil Foundation & Former councillor)

Dr Wong Chin Huat (Penang Institute)

5.30pm            Concluding Remarks: 11th Malaysia Plan strategies: How to ensure the urban poor can experience social inclusion? – Drawing lessons for the two sessions.

By: Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria (KITA-UKM)

WORKSHOP ON URBAN POVERTY, PUBLIC POLICY & COMMUNITY BASED DEVELOPMENT

WORKSHOP ON URBAN POVERTY, PUBLIC POLICY

&COMMUNITY BASED DEVELOPMENT

Organised by COMMACT Malaysia, Economics Faculty

& the Institute for Ethnic Studies (KITA), UKM

Date:                Dec 19, 2013 (Thursday)

Time:                9am to 5pm

Venue:             

Bilik Bankuasi,  Aras 1, Bangunan Pentadbiran Kolej Keris Mas Universiti   Kebangsaan   Malaysia  43600 Bangi  Selangor Darul Ehsan

 

Objectives

To discuss public policy concerns for urban poor communities from a people centred perspective which places people at the heart of development

To review contemporary public policies and also socio-economic programs among the urban poor

To review the impact of urban development on the improvement of quality of life, community cohesion and harmony in the context of prosperity, harmony and happiness

 

Tentative Program

9.30am to 10. 30am                   Welcome& Key note address:

                                               

People Centre Development as the Core thrust of Public Policy

                                                By Prof Datuk Yusof Kasim, President COMMACT Malaysia

10.30am to 11.30am                  Urban Development Polices & Malaysian Society

By Mr Mohd Shukri Hajinoor (Commact Malaysia & UKM Econ Faculty)

 

11.30am to 12.30noon                Urban Poor Communities: Issues, challenges& possibilities

                                                By Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria (KITA-UKM)

 

Morning session Moderator:        Mr Kon Onn Sein (YKPM)

12.30noon to 2pm                      Lunch Break

2.00pm to 3.00pm                      Case Study: Community Organising and urban poor communities

                                                Mrs Jasmine Adaickalam  (Community c codes)

 

3.00pm to 4.00pm                      Case Study: Cooperatives and People Centre Development

Mr Mohd Asri Abdullah (Commact Malaysia & Abim Youth cooperative)

 

4.00pm to 5.00pm     Bridging Public Policies and Program Delivery – The way forward

                                               

Datuk Abdullah Malim Baginda (Commact)

Dr Hezeri Adnan (ISIS)

Yb Rajiv Rishakaran (Adun Bukit Gasing)

 

Afternoon session Moderator       Ms Mae Tan Siew Mann (Commact)

 

Tea/Refreshments

------------------------

for details and registration : puan suhana Bahtiartel 03 89213680/4641. email-

suhanabahtiar@yahoo.com

Institut Kajian Etnik (KITA)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
43600 Bangi
Selangor Darul Ehsan

URBAN POVERTY & COMMUNITY RESPONSES

Progress Report (June to September 2013)

ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT

1          Discussion session                                         

A series of 8 discussions we organised:- Big gathering on June 2, 2013 at Dignity International PJ.  Follow up discussions:- June 19 on developing a monitoring mechanism (UKM).  All other discussions at GII, Brickfields, KL.  On June 23, 2013 on Crime & gangs; also on poverty & low income. On June 30 on Human rights & democracy; also on income generation opportunities. On 7 July, 2013 on education & a review meeting.  

2        Blog                                                                

 A blog was created to post basic information:- http://forumonurbanpoverty.blogspot.com/

3          Field Visits                                                      

A  series of 5 field visits to urban poor flat neighbourhoods were organised:- On July 21, 2013 to Sri Pulai Flats at Balakong; on July 29, 2013 Simpang Lima Tamil School; on August 25, 2013 to Desa Mentari (Block 10); on Sept 8, 2013 at KRT Rumah Pangsa, Taman Harmoni, Buntong; on Sept 25, 2013 visit to Temeggong Flats, Kulai & meeting EWRF Kulai district.

4          Field Visits                                                      

Dialogue with agencies – on August 27, 2013 visit and dialogue with Crime Prevention Department at Bukit Aman. Sept 18, 2013 presentation of the UKM urban poor neighbourhood study to JPNIN Director General at IKLIN, Nilai (9 neighbourhoods)

GENERAL FINDINGS

1          Urban poor – Flat dweller in low cost flats      
A
majority of low income and urban poor families reside in high rise flats. These are high density neighbourhoods with large numbers of Indian families living within walking distance of each other.

2          Needy Communities                                        

These are the most ‘needy communities’ but very few voluntary organisations working at the neighbourhood level in building the local community leadership & capacity building ie building self-help, self-reliance and self-empowerment (citizens’ rights & responsibilities, democracy, human rights & voters rights). There seems to be lots of conflicts at the neighbourhood level and not cohesive communities.

3          Multiple level interventions needed                 

Multiple level intervention is needed including family counselling and support; neighbourhood organisation; assistance toward educational achievement (preschool to post-secondary); skills training and character development to the academically weak; business training, access to credit; employment opportunities; citizens empowerment program (human rights, democracy, legal rights & advocacy); confidence building & awareness to access public sector services

4          Structural Issues                                             

These communities are impacted by many structural neglect and inadequate public facilities (absence of local government elections, lack of halls, community facilities, infrastructure weakness such as maintenance issues as  they must pay for the services and very little public funding to maintain public space unlike rural districts.

5          Public sector disconnect                                 

Public agencies do not have a good appreciation of the urban poor Indian complex situation as it tends to be mono cultural officers on cultural, history of disadvantage, understanding of socio-psychology make up of local communities

Public agencies and institutions don’t have a good presence at these neighbourhood a problem similar to Malay communities except that local authorities tends to provide space for Surau, a kindergarten managed by Kemas and a meeting room for residence committee. Malay communities seem to be better connected with the public sector services and seem better organised at the local community level.

6          NGO weakness                                    

NGOs lack of coordination and cooperation among them each doing their projects with little cumulative impact at the grassroots.

7          Wrong expectations                                        

NGO activity seems to come from outside and the urban poor residents tend to have become passive recipients. Lots of expectation for ‘hand outs’ and also a deep sense of disconnect with other communities and especially of provisions of the government (lacking awareness, confidence to access services)

FUTURE POSSIBILITIES

1          Focus of this informal network                        

This informal network of concern citizens to focus on urban poor neighbourhoods and seek to mobilise voluntary support, facilitate NGO coordination and not duplicate the services, access public sector provision and undertake impact assessment and documentation.

2          New Structure ?                                              

Is there a need to form a NEW Society to coordinate these efforts? Need for funding for sustainability of this project. The current work is coordinated as an action research project of KITA-UKM

3          New Networking                                              

Ministry of Youth & Sports (KBS) has launched a socio economic agenda to assist high risk youths in crime and gangs through counselling, intervention at schools, skills training, micro credit and micro business development, participation in youth organisations and sports and games. A pilot project will be launch at 2 to 3 urban poor neighbourhoods in WPKL and we could assist this initiative. Project is undertaken as a national project and target oriented from a community based intervention strategy.

Our informal group could recruit the support of all Indian based organisations to be partners with KBS

4          New Networking                                              

Department of National Unity & Integration (JPNIN) has asked KITA-UKM to assist in the solving of the problems identified in the first phase of the study at 9 urban poor neighbourhoods. The effort here is to work with the local RT leaders and liaise with all the relevant agencies to solve local problems. Also to mobilise the local community within in a ‘Program Sayangi Komuniti’

Our informal group could mobilise all Indian based social organisations with their specific focus to assist in the reach out to Indian families in the above two projects. If we link up we might be able to reach out to about 10 to 12 densely populated neighbourhoods

---------------------------------
Reflections by Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria. Principal Research Fellow, Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA), UKM

Merdeka Celebrations at Taman Harmoni, Buntong, Ipoh

Residents of Taman Harmoni in Buntong, Ipoh celebrated Merdeka day on Sunday Sept 8, 2013 with a special children’s colouring contest and jigsaw puzzle competition.

About 200 children and adults gathered at the flats to undertake this program to instil patriotism for the nation.

The uniqueness of the program was the multi ethnic nature where Malay and Indian children living in the neighbourhood participated together.

The newly established RT in the public flats area headed by Ms K. Helen  and Mr P. Mathew serving as secretary mobilised the total community for active involvement.

The Department of National Unity and the Department of Information provided support. The team from Kuala Lumpur comprised of Prof KS Nathan, Dato Siva Subramanium and Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria. Ms Hajar Ahamed, the Deputy State National Unity Director was also present to grace the event.

This is a very good example of families in this neighbourhood coming together to organise and run this program. It provides a fresh sense of appreciation of Independence history and to recognise the progress we have made together as communities in this land. The program ended with price giving for three best coloured Merdeka drawings and the three fastest assembled jigsaw.

Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria has made two previous visits to Taman Harmoni in conjunction with the community needs survey and focus group discussions with local residents. One major issue which haunts this area is crime and the presence of gang groups. Many of the drawings and symbols which were visible before have been removed.

While this can be regarded as a very successful community based program, however one glaring absence at the program were young people. A majority were children and adults. There is a need to reach out to young people especially in locations like these where they are at risk to social problems and issues in society.

The KL team also visited the Buntong Community Centre established by Helen and Mathew nearby the flats which provides regular tuition classes, daily service centre on meeting needs and also micro business training. This is a neighbourhood centre in the Buntong area where there are many community needs and concerns.

Discussion among stakeholders on URBAN POVERTY AND COMMUNITY RESPONSES

Date:                Sept. 29, 2013 (Sunday)

Time:                2.30pm to 6.00pm

Venue:              Global Indian Secondary School, 242, Lorong Sultan Abdul Samad, Kuala Lumpur

On June 2, 2013 about 35 of us gathered in a discussion on ‘Inclusive Development and the Indian Community’. Since then we have had 6 small group discussions on specific issues and also a number of field visits to urban poor high rise flat neighbourhoods.

We have created a blog - http://forumonurbanpoverty.blogspot.com/ which documents brief reports and pictures of these events. Please view these to review the work done as well as to inform us on what is the next course of action and response.

In recent days with the news on rise of gang fights, shootings and the Home Affairs information on the ethnic breakdown of gangs reveal an alarming figure of 71.7% of gang members from the Indian community. The figures given are 28, 926 Indians are directly involved in gang related activities.

The community responses to this news have been diverse. Some want tough Police action on crime and gang activities, so as to ensure safety and security. Some are questioning these figures as racial profiling. Others have called for a balanced approach for tough action on crime through strengthening law and order approaches on the one hand but at the same time addressing socio-economic deprivation on the other hand. It is felt that one can approach this issue from a needs based and human rights approach.

It is in this context that we need to seek a national and comprehensive approach to solving gang related crime in Malaysian society. The approach is not to ethicise crime but to find solutions which will address both personal and structural issues bringing short term and long term solutions.

The macro policy implications rest on Urban Poverty which is given very low priority in public policy discussions. The current delivery agencies at Federal, State and local government levels are not addressing the local issues and concerns pertaining to crime, violence and gangs in urban poor communities in Malaysia.

There needs to be a dynamic response from the community which should seeks to address community concerns not from an ethnic perspective but from a national one using public funds and community funds.

Multiple interventions focusing on crime prevention among high risk youths is needed. At the same time an effective rehabilitation and aftercare program is essential to find long term solutions to crime, gangs and violence which have tremendous impact on both family and neighbourhood systems. These require moving beyond a law and order approach to be inclusive of addressing socio-economic needs. In addition the issues pertaining to urban poverty, inequality, displacement, alienation and equality of opportunities must be addressed.

Please confirm participation at jayasooriadenison@gmail.com

For directions please contact Mr Krishna Kumar of GIIS, Brickfields at 016 2257320

Field visit to Desa Mentari by Summer Academy students

Summer Academy participants at Block 10 of Desa Mentari, Petaling Jaya 

Participants of the Summer Academy at UKM visited urban poor communities at Desa Mentari, Petaling Jaya on August 29, 2013 as part of the course to understand the socio-economic rights of communities living in high rise low cost flats.

A majority of the 14 students were from Europe and in particular Germany found the field visit an eye opener. They found it early to relate with the people from the flats and there was a lively discussion including Q and A session. The flat communities too were appreciative of the students visit.

Block 10 -Desa Mentari

At Block 10 of Desa Menteri, Mr Suliman Bin Sahak (Local RT community leader), Mr James (Local Indian community leader) and Mr Maran met and spoke to the summer academy visitors. In addition Datuk Vaithilingam and Dato Siva Subrmanium also met up with the summer academy participants and shared some thoughts of minority community rights.

Summer participants at Block 5 of Desa Mentari, Petaling Jaya

Block 5- Desa Mentari

At Block 5 of Desa Menteri, Mr Nathan (Local RT community leader) together with the local community welcomed the academy participants. Many of the local residents including young people  shared their experiences including their hopes and dreams. Mrs Rina Harun, the district national unity officer was present at both the gatherings.

This is the second time KITA-UKM was host to the Asia-Europe Cross-Cultural Summer Academy. The Human Rights and Asian Societies track was led by Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria from Monday August 26 till Thursday August 29, 2013.

Ms Imma Llort I Juncadella and Mr Thanakon Tiwawong were co-trainers who ran workshop sessions during the course. This program was facilitated by AFS Yayasan Antarabudaya Malaysia and the Karlshochschule International University.

Dialogue with PDRM on Crime Prevention Initiatives with the Community

Dato Wira Ayub chairing the dialogue session

PDRM has taken a number of new initiatives in working with local communities. The major step was the establishment of a new department for Crime Prevention under the directorship of Dato Wira Ayub Bin Hj Yaakob and the engagement approaches adopted by this team through E Sector Policing.

A number of us visited PDRM on August 27, 2013 from 3pm till 5.30pm to discusses the issues surrounding the rise in serious crime and implications for the Malaysian Indian community especially with Police data released recently that 71% of those involved in gang related serious crime are from the Indian community.

In the course of discussion a number of key points were discussed and a number of specific interventions were agreed upon for immediate follow up action:-

·         Crime Prevention though community Policing and community engagement is a key strategy adopted by PDRM in fostering close working relationship with local communities in addressing crime.

·         A two way process of mutual understanding, respect and trust is needed in overcoming crime in society through good working relationship between PDRM and local communities.

·         On the Indian community and Indian issues – the background structural issues of displacement from the plantations to urban squatters to high-rise, low-cost flats and the lack of educational, training and employment opportunities are root issues which need social remedies though the intervention of relevant agencies.

·         That Indian community issues must be viewed not as communal issues/ethnic concerns but national concerns which require multi-sector intervention

·         Adopting a holistic intervention strategy balancing ‘law and order’ with ‘winning hearts and minds’ by addressing socio-economic needs among the urban poor is most urgent.

·         Developing an action agenda though multi agency (all relevant agencies like youth, welfare, employment, housing & local government, Police) and multi-sector involvement (Public, private and voluntary) is now necessary.

·         Adopting a neighbourhood approach for crime prevention through addressing socio-economic issues and concerns by addressing human needs concerns especially in urban poor neighbourhoods which is at high risk for crime and violence is most critical.

·         Pilot testing of community Policing in the 10 neighbourhoods where KITA-UKM undertook community profiling with the support of JPNIN and the RT. Field visits and community dialogues with neighbourhood leaders will be organised.

·         Datuk Dr Denison will forward the KITA-UKM study report to PDRM via Dato Wan Najmuddin for further study and review

·         PDRM has agreed to give full cooperation and support to these neighbourhood partnerships in fostering community policing to address serious crime with local communities. This will be part of the pilot setting of a holistic intervention approach at the neighbourhood level.

The Police were represented by Dato Wira Ayub Bin Hj Yaakob (Director), Dato Wan A.Najmuddin Mohd (Deputy), Dato Rusli Bin Ahmad (Deputy) and officers from public relations and CID

The visiting team members were Datuk A Vathilingam, Prof KS Nathan, Dato Siva Subramanium, Ms Jasmine Adaickalam, Ms Roova Li and Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria