Despite the numerous efforts of non-governmental organizations and local citizens aimed at the preservation of the Acheen Street Malay Mosque Village in George Town, local authorities continue to implement their vision of the area redevelopment. Draw up the comprehensive plan that describes all possible ways of increasing public awareness about this issue among the local population and global community. This plan will include every instrument available for PHT in such situation, thus allowing the Honorable Secretary to choose the most efficient tools of attracting attention to this problem.
Issues
The question whether to preserve the architectural heritage of the Acheen Street Malay Mosque has led to the heated debates in Malaysia. The government and other organizations supporting it argue that this district should be fully redeveloped by destroying six bungalows and creating new apartments on their sites. On the other hand, PHT and local citizens, especially descendents of previous owners of the Malay Mosque Village`s property, try to oppose the actions performed by the government, believing that this area has great historical significance. Therefore, PHT has proposed to use its own plan of the area revitalization that allows avoiding the demolition of certain buildings. At the same time the implementation of this plan will result not only at the preservation of cultural heritage, but at the improvement of life standards and business activity in this area as well. However, the recent events have revealed that the government does not want to hear the voice of the local citizens and does not seek any compromise regarding the future of this area. Moreover, the legal authorities have decided to employ unfair and dishonest methods in their informational campaign against PHT and its adherents. Thus, PHT should revise its next steps because the government can go further and employ its political influence to disrupt the entire operation of the non-governmental organization. The best option that PHT has today is to continue to counter the official propaganda and actions by involving greater number of people and other organizations in this conflict. Only wide and strong support of common people can change situation for the better. Consequently, PHT should develop the plan that focuses on the ways of attracting people`s attention. Furthermore, the involvement of international organizations, particularly the UNESCO, should be one of the key priorities of PHT. Nevertheless, the wider informational campaign launched by PHT will require additional financial and human resources.
Since its foundation in 1987, PHT has always promoted such values as the conservation of Penang`s heritage and the improvement of education with regard to its history. Moreover, PHT puts a lot of efforts in order to maintain its non-partiality, thus it has a clear and visible scheme of financing from individuals and donor agencies. Fairness, honesty and professionalism are of the greatest importance for every PHT member. In addition, although PHT recognizes all the political risks that accompany every non-governmental organization in Malaysia, it continues to pursue its goals, confirming its strong belief in its mission. Therefore, despite the recent events PHT should double its efforts in order to succeed in this conflict.
Any non-governmental organization operating in Malaysia is always exposed to certain political risks. The government can employ the legal framework established in the country in order to disrupt any activity aimed against it. For example, the Internal Security Act, the Societies Act, the Official Secrets Act and other laws allow the legal authorities to control the activities of any society and to imprison any person suspected in being the spy. Although the government denies using these instruments for its personal political purposes, there are certain evidences that state the opposite. Therefore, any non-governmental organization should consider this factor when designing its action plan.
Basically, this preservation conflict involves many stakeholders, thus making the process of its settlement more difficult. The local citizens constitute first party concerned in this conflict because they want to preserve their homes, with their standards of living increasing. The government has its own vision regarding the future of the area. There are even some rumors that the government keeps its rigid position due to its illegal connections with building investors interested in the land where the Malay Mosque Village stands. PHT is another stakeholder because it not only tries to help people whose houses are to be destroyed, but it also puts a lot of efforts to promote the role of non-governmental organizations in decision-making process in Malaysia.
Malaysia has a wide range of economic, political and religious problems that fuel tensions between different groups of society. However, the greatest problem is the political pressure existing in this country. This problem prevents the effective resolution of other issues in the country. Although Malaysia is often referred to as the “melting pot” and the political pressure is very high this country still has a chance to create democratic and equal society where any member regardless of his religion or sex will be able to benefit. PHT has always shown its belief in its values and mission, thus the organization shouldn`t surrender in this situation. The Honorable Secretary should increase the public awareness about this conflict, thus she will receive more rights in the decision-making process.
Options
Make the UNESCO act as the direct intermediary in the conflict resolution process. With the recent unfair actions of the government in mind, this international organization should now recognize the actual difficultness and importance of the discussed issue. The participation of the UNESCO will prevent the government from manipulating the public opinion. However, the UNESCO may refuse to take direct part in the situation, acting as the external supervisor.
Reveal the truth about the recent fake demonstration in the Malay Mosque Village by providing real facts and evidences. The truth can seriously harm the government`s position and attract the attention of the global community that is adherent to the principles of democracy and freedom. On the other hand, the government can employ its political influence to close PHT or it can enhance its informational campaign against PHT.
Implementation
Tomorrow arrange the urgent meeting of all members of PHT with regard to the present situation. In three days, provide the first draft of the action plan and discuss it at the second urgent meeting of PHT. In one week, start implementing the provisions of the plan aimed at the achieving short-term results. In one month, summon the third urgent meeting of PHT and discuss the achieved results, thus determining the weak points in the plan. In three months, analyze the progress in preservation of the Malay Mosque Village.
