Simon Lee, the second son of the late YB Edward Lee, wants to see change for the Bukit Gasing community in the upcoming state elections.
His vision for change is to see a return to the true intentions of politics and government, where people of local communities actively work together to draw up sound government policies that are of value to the state of Selangor and its people.
He believes that politics should not be used to propel self towards personal gains.
Someone from the outside may not always be able to fully grasp the grassroots issues that truly move the community.
On the top of Simon’s list of issues most affecting the Bukit Gasing community are the conversion of land status from leasehold to freehold, council issues related to unsustainable development, operations of the municipal council and the state government, pressing issues of local security.
He has been personally affected by crime in his area and feels that although it is a federal matter, it can also be alleviated at the local level.
EXPERIENCE
Simon is no stranger to the local community when working to solve its problems.
He assisted his late father, YB Edward Lee Poh Lin, in the running of his office and service center, arranging his schedule and meetings with various community groups and residents as well as meetings with the municipal council and various state level departments. On many occasions, he had stood in proxy at meetings whenever YB Edward Lee had other engagements.
At these meetings Simon listened intently to the issues raised by local communities, and spent time discussing and tackling those issues, ensuring there was feedback and solutions provided back to them.
He also handled state welfare programs where help was given to constituents in need. Financial assistance was given to those who applied for social welfare aid.
LEASE EXTENSION
One of the predominant issues being faced by the Bukit Gasing community is the land lease issue and the expiration of leases.
One of the solutions in tackling the issue is the introduction of a RM1,000 premium lease extension scheme especially for those in the PJ Old Town area as their leases were closest to expiring, with some having as little as 3-4 years remaining on their leases.
Although this was an interim measure to the end goal of getting freehold status for residents, Simon is committed to look for a solution to this issue.
A FORWARD-THINKING CANDIDATE
Simon realises the need to engage with the community.
Apart from touching base with residents and other groups through city hall meetings and other formal and informal meetings, he also welcomes participation from younger communities on social media.
Simon dreams of members of the community coming together to help solve community problems collectively.
In his opinion, the old perspective of state representatives solving problems on their own should be abandoned for more collective efforts. Simon says,
“Together we will create political will. Typical politicians would choose who to trust. We must all walk the talk if we say we want to solve issues. We must work together.”
He believes in abandoning race-based politics and personal ideologies.Simon plans to demonstrate integrity by establishing trust with the people of the community and with those working at all levels of the government.
Ultimately, Simon envisions good governance for the community of Bukit Gasing where its people take ownership in creating a better, safer and thriving community.
