Seputeh Security Town Hall Meeting Agenda & Purpose

Copy of email to Seputeh Yahoo Newsgroup

Since the last AGM, I have been approached by the SRA Committee to spearhead this security initiative. For the sake of the Seputeh community, I am willing to contribute my time and effort as a volunteer and will try to do my best.

Allow me to clarify the situation.

Deepak is right in that the scheme will be presented for feedback first. This is why the main points of the scheme have been included in the notice sent out to everyone.

It seems that many people are not clear why we are having this Town Hall meeting. Perhaps, a flashback will help.

At the last AGM, a resolution duly proposed and seconded by two members were put to the ballot. It was carried with more than two-third majority. (131 against 46 with 9 abstentions). This was the resolution:

Quote

Given that the security situation in Seputeh has not improved since the last Annual General Meeting,

We, the concerned members of SRA, at this AGM note with alarm the rising incidences of snatch thefts and petty crime in our community,

So we hereby resolve to:

Empowering the SRA Committee (The Committee) to take whatever measures necessary towards improving the security of the Seputeh community on the following principles:

a. The Committee explores all avenues of enhancing security and will adopt any paid or unpaid measure for the good of the Seputeh community;

b. The Committee considers seeking funding from any source, including from the Government, provided that the interest of the SRA and the Seputeh community are not compromised;

c. The Committee gives top priority to the welfare, safety and security of the entire Seputeh community;

d. The Committee ensures that any contribution to any security scheme shall be entirely voluntary and no member of the SRA shall be forced or otherwise coerced into paying any money; and,

e. That SRA funds will only be used to benefit members.

Unquote

Based on this resolution, the SRA Committee formed a Security Committee to carry out the intention of the resolution, keeping in mind part (a) and the other four guiding principles.

The AGM also passed a motion that, in the event the Committee decides on any paid security scheme, it should revert with details of the scheme to all residents for them to decide whether to subscribe or not. Please note that the scheme details must be presented to all those whom we want to invite into the scheme – members and non-members. This is why there is a need to hold a Town Hall meeting and not merely an SRA general meeting of members.

The decision to go ahead with a paid scheme has been made by the security committee after considering all options. This recommendation was presented to the SRA Committee and approved. It is now time for the Town Hall meeting where we will meet residents and clarify any enquiries or doubts that they have. It will not be implemented without getting the feedback and perhaps, better ideas from residents on how to do it better.

The Security Committee wants all the main points of the scheme to be widely disseminated so that residents can come with questions and give feedback. We have not awarded the scheme to any company yet. In fact, we have also asked those who know of credible security companies to recommend them to us. These companies can contact us in the usual manner stated in the notice.

We hope to incorporate whatever views and opinions aired by residents at this Sunday’s meeting into the scheme – as far as possible – and as far as the Security Committee agrees that they are sound and credible ideas. I am sure any reasonable person will be aware that while all views can be heard and considered, not all can be implemented. The Security Committee will hear, consider and decide. It is not a question of who is right or wrong but an issue of which seems to be the best solution and approach to solve Seputeh’s security situation.

We have to move on, go ahead and do it. We need all your support and goodwill.

On the agenda of the meeting, Deepak did not list it out because the Town Hall meeting is a single-purpose meeting – all about security. We thought it was obvious but we were mistaken.

So, here is the agenda:

1. Opening remarks by SRA President

· President Robert Quah welcomes residents to the Town Hall meeting and explain the AGM resolution (non-members would not have known about it)

· President introduces the SRA Security Committee

2. SRA Security Chairman briefs residents on main features of the security scheme

3. Residents to give their views and seek clarification

4. Selection of auditors (at least two) for the security fund

5. Call for volunteers to be street representatives

6. Any other business

Hope that clarifies and we will see you both there. Thank you.

Best regards,

Mazlan

Chairman of SRA Security Committee