Councillors not friendly - NST

Some left hungry to meet the wakil Sheila Sri Priya

PJ Mayor Datuk Ruslan Sakiman presenting hampers and duit raya to 200 urban poor at the Hari Raya open house in Stadium Petaling Jaya.

PETALING JAYA: A group of people who attended the PJ Hari Raya open house at Stadium Petaling Jaya, in Kelana Jaya went home disappointed.

They were upset because they were not able to talk to their assemblymen, members of parliament and several councillors during the celebration.

"The VIPs were seated in the air-conditioned area and did not mingle with the public. They were elected by the people and they should be mingling with the rakyat. The people should get a chance to get to know their representatives better," said some unhappy guests.

"It's not often that we get a chance to meet them (VIPs) all under one roof. The mayor (Datuk Ruslan Sakiman) was outside greeting everyone and we felt welcomed. The mayor also made efforts to talk to us and asked after our well being and enquired if we had problems. But the elected representatives did not bother doing that.

"No doubt the Raya celebration was hosted by the PJ city council and it was the mayor's duty to greet us. But other representatives should also take the opportunity to socialise with the rakyat and not isolate themselves," said another guest.

More than 200 urban poor received hampers consisting of groceries and duit raya from the mayor.

The event itself was held on a grand scale. With some 20 items on the menu, including the traditional Malay dishes, roasted deer, ayam golek, kambing panggang, roti bom, satay, char kuey teow, guests were spoilt for choice.

The three-hour open house celebration that began at 3pm was attended by almost 10,000 guests from all over Petaling Jayal. Entertainment was also provided by two renowned Malay comedians -- Wahid Senario and Abon.

"Last year we hosted the PJ council Raya open house outside our headquarters. But it was a waste of money as we had to rent the tents. This year we held it here and focused on providing better food for the guests," said the mayor.