Since the beginning of 2007, we have witnessed 2 by-elections - Batu Talam state constituency of Pahang and Machap state constituency of Melaka. This Saturday, we will witness another by-election, for the Ijok state constituency of Selangor. And during the campaigning of all the three by-elections this year, the ruling government’s party made a lot of promises to bring development to folks at the respective constituencies. For the Ijok by-election, RM36 million worth of projects were implemented. Roads in the area were re-tarred, more street lights installed and etc.

Now, why are the people only get to enjoy all these goodies only when there is a by-election? Development projects shall be implemented to everyone, everywhere in the country, not only when there is a by-election. A lot of people now are hoping their elected representatives kick the bucket so that a by-election will be called so that they can enjoy development. Everyone in this country deserves development projects from the government, regardless whether their area is represented by a backbencher or opposition representative.

If roads in Ijok are re-tarred, how about roads in many other places? Let me highlight certain roads that urgently need repairs or better still, re-tarred. In Petaling Jaya, roads that urgently need to be fixed include Jalan Dato’ Abu Bakar (Section 16), roads in Section 17, roads in Section SS2, roads in Section 13, roads in Sea Park (Section 21), roads in Bandar Utama and roads in Tropicana.

Some roads in the country urgently require upgrading due to heavy traffic. Take for example, in Teluk Intan, the street Jalan Merbok from the traffic lights crossroad at Jalan Sultan Abdullah all the way to the SMK San Min is too narrow given the amount of traffic using it. This street serves housing areas like Taman Teluk Intan, Taman Sinar Jaya, Taman Impiana and the SMK San Min. Besides, many new housing developments along this road are currently taking place. When will the authorities upgrade this street?

These are just some examples of places that I am familiar. There are still many places that need to be looked into. I really hope the government will deliver their promises made during the general election and not to deliver them only when they need the votes in by-elections!