Volume 1 Issue 10

Change Of Guards

Dear Readers,

As you may have noticed, Tiara Management has changed the security guards to an all-Nepalese guard team. This is due to the many complaints received about the lax in security of the previous local guards. These guards have been in place for a few weeks now. Nepalese guards are known for being disciplined, with exemplary work ethics when on duty.

It may be too early to tell if they will turn out to be what they are promised to be. However, early observations look promising - that they mean business. Several residents have been seen arguing with the guards who insist on checking their Resident Cards.

On one hand, there have been in the past complaints that the guards are too lax, that they allow any one into the premises with hardly any checks. On the other hand, there are now complaints that the Nepalese guards are too strict, stopping all visitors and those who do not have Resident Cards.

We would like to point out that there is a relationship between tight security and inconvenience.

If residents want tight security and safety on our premises then visitors and residents alike may have to be slightly incon­venienced. If you do not wish to be slightly incon­venienced then you may not have tight security.

We cannot have it both ways. If we desire a secure environment, then we must have a set of rules and ensure that the security guards enforce those rules. Otherwise, it is pointless having the rules in the first place.

So, please do not argue with the guards when asked for your identification or when requested to register as a guest when you do not have a Resident Card. And, please, do not be rude to the guards. Co-operate with the guards as they are just doing their job - which is to safeguard Tiara. Do inform your visitors, who may have been here many times before and who had previously been allowed to enter Tiara without registering, that registering is for the security of Tiara Damansara.

And for those who have not obtained their Resident Card, please do so. It will make things easier not only for the guards but for yourself and your family members. Let us all work towards a harmonious environment.

Vehicle Vandalism & Parking

Dear Editor,

I am one of the residents recently afflicted by the recent troubling act of vandalism that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, 30th August 2006. I am writing this letter to suggest possible options available to us to prevent the situation from occurring.

Additional guard patrolling on the outside. I am not sure if we may face an issue of area jurisdiction; however, their visibility alone may be a sufficient deterrent. Based on my observation, I am certain that we have enough guards to do so.

Free overnight parking for residents at empty visitor bays. Priority should be given to residents in terms of parking space.

I understand that there has been some discussion with regards to the creation of a new parking area and the decision made to keep it as a green-lung area. I would like to know if there has been a motion within the Tiara Management Council to incorporate the two entities (unfortunately I was unable to join the discussion earlier). Are there any other more secure parking options that we can develop over the long-term? Parking is a pressing matter that needs to be resolved one way or the other.

Thank you very much for lending your ears in regards to this issue. On another note, I would like to applaud the Management's decision to revamp the guard situation. Most of them struggle to communicate in English, let alone in local tongue, but they have been very professional thus far. I believe they will keep learning and continue to do a good job.

Leon Lau

Dear Editor,

Early this morning (30^th August), my car was one of 9 that were broken into on Jalan 17/1, just outside King's Gate. I park outside, despite a previous break-in a few months ago, because my wife also has a car and uses our space within Tiara Damansara.

If we have no way of increasing the quantity of secure, on-site parking, can we have the security guards take more notice of the surrounding area, including a regular patrol outside the compound, between the two gates?

As well as deterring car thefts, monitoring the area immediately outside our boundaries could also increase everyone's security within Tiara Damansara, by deterring or detecting housebreakers.

Laurence

Dear Editor,

Yesterday, my car, along others was broken into. I am disappointed that the Management will not be looking into the additional parking in the vacant lot outside Jalan 17/1. I think it was a good idea for Management to consider this. Although there were a lot of letters against the idea, I saw that almost all the letters were from residents facing the vacant lot. One resident asked nature be sacrificed for a parking lot? I say yes, if the parking lot can protect my car from being broken into. The alternative idea of parking lots along Jalan 17/1 is pointless as it will still be outside the compound. Maybe we should have the guards patrol outside the compound on their walk from Queen’s to King’s Gate.

Parker

Dear Editor,

The snatch, house or condo, car and other thieves has become a part of the Malaysian way of life, so it is time for us to complement the police in ensuring a more peaceful and harmonious society.

The new guards at Tiara are smartly dressed and can be seen moving around the compound to deter any untoward incidences. This reminds me of the English police system or the Malaysian Salleh System of the 70's and 80's, in which the police were constantly on patrol and the crime rate seemed minimal.

The car window and windscreen-breaking incident that happened outside the Tiara Condo along Jalan 17/1 on Aug 30^th 2006 is a clear sign that the security and safety in PJ Section 17 have not improved at all.

Sad as it may be, the pressing issue is to ensure more vigilant and alert security guards to make sure it is difficult for thieves to function effectively. This will mean the guards need to have a better mode of trans­portation to do their perpetual rounds. An electric bike or motorbike armed with siren and other essential policing tools should be made available to the guards, so that they can be speedy and agile in the event of a mischief, break-in or intrusion.

For the residents, it may be time to have something similar to the Rukun Tetangga or Neighbourhood Watch. The ability to apprehend the culprits on the spot will deter them from trying their luck again.

We are likely to witness and experience more challenging social and community issues, much to our dislike and discomfort. It is time for us to work together to develop a better community living.

Yan-Goh Ng, Ph.D.

Rubbish Bins

Dear Editor,

I would like to comment on the article about the rubbish bins. I have noticed that some residents still leave the rubbish on the floor outside the bins, right underneath the sign that says, “Please do not leave rubbish on the floor.” And of course, the rubbish bags get ripped apart and rubbish strewn everywhere. Can’t people read? They have taken the time to walk to the bin, how much more effort is it to open the chute and drop the rubbish inside?

Tiara Damansara is our home. Would you like to have pests like rats living amidst us? Please help keep Tiara clean and healthy and please throw the rubbish through the chute and into the bins. If you get someone else like your maid to do it, please instruct him or her to do so too.

Disgusted With Rubbish

3R's - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Dear Editor,

After reading Tiara Times article on Recycling Bins, I would like to comment that a Star MetroToday's article "Trim the Waste" did not even get the basics right. I quote En. Abdul Aziz Abdul Wahab, the CEO of Alam Flora, stating that one solution was to practice the 3R's – reduce, recycle, and reuse – programme."

The correct sequence should be:

1) To try and Reduce first, as that is the best and the cheapest.

2) Then try to Reuse – many things can be reused, sometimes in a different setting. For instance, I know of one stall owner in the PJ Old Town Market, who reuses old plastic bags to hand out the vegetables he sells. We should encourage more of this. I also know of a furniture manufacturer in Johor who ran short of raw material (pine wood) and went round collecting discarded packing boxes made of pinewood, converting these into furniture items, which were then exported! The discarded pine wood boxes would have otherwise been burnt in the landfill!

3) Then last of all comes Recycling, which is very much more expensive and cumbersome...and not applicable at all to plastic bags! A fair bit of wood can be recycled. And certainly, paper and tin cans.

So let’s work on doing the thing right – doing it the right way – before we can do the right thing.

All for Reducing, Reusing and Recycling – in that Order

Tiaran Profile – Margaret Lim

n a past issue of Tiara Times, a reader had requested profiles of Tiarans who had "special services" to offer. So, for this issue’s Tiaran Profile, we have chosen a Tiaran with a special service: Margaret Lim Wee Lien, the "Florence Nightingale of Tiara."

Born in Malacca, the middle of 7 siblings, 2 brothers and 4 sisters, Margaret was brought up in her father's bookshop in Malacca, the sole English bookstore in the town then. Because of this influence, all her siblings as well as herself love books.

When her father sent all his children to English medium schools, he was reprimanded by a Beijing university graduate Uncle for being disloyal to the mother tongue, so Margaret was picked to study in a Chinese medium school. But after six years of "chong koh" education in a Chinese public school in Malacca, where she "excelled in calligraphy but not Chinese studies", Margaret pleaded to be sent to an English medium school. Since her Hainanese housewife mother, and businessman father could not tutor her in Chinese, not being conversant in that field themselves, she was sent to join her four sisters at the Canossian Convent in Malacca. Because of her English and Chinese school upbringing, she considers herself lucky, "because I gained a lot from both schools of thought."

In school, she was active in sports and was made the Green House Captain and Captain of the school hockey team. She was also a cadet officer of the Red Cross Society, and a school prefect. She also enjoyed singing, and made it to the school choir. Today, that love has been enriched when she became a church chorister and later, a member of the K.L. Philharmonic Choir, which she joined three years ago when it advertised for singers for a Christmas presentation.

Since then, she has participated annually in Philharmonic presentations for charity: "The Merry Widow" at the Corus Hotel; the "Celebrate Life" dinner at the Crown Plaza Mutiara; and the "Broadway Show" at the Panggung Theatre in KL. Charities which benefited from these shows included the National Cancer Society and the National Stroke Association of Malaysia.

Practices are on Mondays, 8-10pm,and Margaret never fails to attend unless she is overseas.

After completion of her O-Levels, Margaret went straight into nursing. This, she said, "was mainly due to the influence of the Reverend Mother of the convent I went to, who said that 'girls don’t go to university but can only be teachers and nurses’.”

She traveled to Singapore to be trained under the Franciscan Missionary of the Divine Motherhood, the order of nuns responsible for teaching nursing. She shared a room with an Indian and a Chinese student, who both eventually became nuns after graduation. Margaret was close to entering the nun hood as well, she confessed, but did not.

The first year was T.B. nursing, where she learnt to nurse TB patients at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital. She received her British T.B. certificate before entering her second year, joining the Singapore General Hospital. The nuns laid a strong foundation in nursing for their students and "I am very grateful to them and have no regrets training under them. They made us all follow in the footsteps of Florence Nightingale."

After graduating as a State Registered Nurse and later, a Staff Nurse, she left for Birmingham, England, to study Occupational Health Nursing and Midwifery in Edinburgh, doing private nursing in between courses. Private nursing took "me to the homes of the War Disabled, the Disabled Children’s' Home run by the Girl Guides, the Unwed Mothers' Home in South London and the famous Harley Street Hospital in London, where the rich and famous go for specialist treatment."

During her three and a half year stint in England Margaret traveled the length and breadth of the country as well as Europe, taking the opportunity to visit as many places as she was able to: Rome, Paris, Pompeii, the Isle of Capri, Switzerland, etc.

When she arrived back home in Malacca she was penniless, having spent all her earnings on sightseeing trips. "I had to borrow money from my father before starting work again. I worked at the University Hospital, Chinese Maternity Hospital, the Lady Templar Hospital and finally, as a Sister in a private hospital."

Finally, twenty years ago, Margaret resigned from the private hospital to start her own private nursing agency. Her main reason was to enable her to spend more time with her young daughter Jessie.
Her many years in the private sector have taken her into the homes of many dignitaries, the wife of a former Prime Minister, and the families of several present Cabinet Ministers besides the poor as well. Irrespective of their financial standing, her team of nurses treats them all equally, giving of their best. Her nurses are all trained in nursing and know the A-Z of health care. "They are trained to look after the sick, but often clients think they are there to wash and cook for the sick as well. So I have to explain very clearly to my clients that my nurses perform nursing care and are not maids.’’

Getting desperate calls at unearthly hours is nothing strange to her. In such instances, Margaret personally drives over to attend to the patient, and delegates the work to one of her nurses only after the patient has passed the critical stage.

Despite her hectic schedule, Margaret still manages time for other hobbies, like taking part in the Damansara Hash House Harriers. Since becoming a Harriet in l989, she is a hard-core runner and is loathe missing even a single one of her Friday runs.

"It is not only the exercise that I look forward to, but the camaraderie with the Hashers. I get to run into the jungle and plantations, sometimes as far as Genting Highlands, Semenyih and Rawang as well. It is such pure joy running cross country and seeing orang asli, hearing the birds twittering, monkeys swaying from tree branches, the occasional wild boar and even snakes. Not to mention the chatter and dinner with our comrades after the run. Often, we break up after midnight, when I drive home for a well earned rest."

Besides hashing, Margaret has also taken part in marathons. Her interest in this started in l986 when she was invited to take part in a charity run to draw awareness to conservation of the Endau-Rompin forest. Then, it was only a 5-kilometre run in Templar's Park. From there, she went on to l0 kilometre runs, 21 kilometres, the Penang and Trengannu Bridge Runs and finally, in the early l990's she did her first full KL Marathon Run of 42 kilometres. She has since taken part in other KL, Penang and Singapore Full Marathons, accumulating countless medals in the process.

She is also a member of the KL Veteran Athletes Association, where championship meets are held regularly, with participants coming from all parts of the world to take part.

Besides taking part in the choirs mentioned earlier, Margaret enjoys gardening, reading, writing and sewing. She is contemplating starting a sewing session in Tiara, and has roped in her sister, who lives in Damansara Heights, to assist and coach, interested parties in craftwork, patchwork (group patchwork) and beadwork for slippers. She hopes to sell these items to raise funds for charity, or give the proceeds, perhaps, to our own Tiaran Social Fund, should such be set up.

For Tiarans, their families, relatives or friends requiring nursing care, or are interested in joining any of her interest groups: hashing, KL Philharmonic Choir, sewing group, marathon running, Margaret can be reached at 012-9067033 / 03-79540855 (after 10am), or at wlien7@yahoo.com from January 15th, 2007 onwards. Until then, she is fully occupied.

Volume 1 Issue 9

Additional Parking, Tree-Cutting and Speed Bumps

Dear Readers,

We hear you…loud and clear! That you are all against converting the green land bank into a Visitor Parking Lot.

Thank you, Tiarans, for inundating Tiara Times with your views, none of which were for the conversion.

At the last Tiara Management Committee meeting in August 2006, it was decided to drop the proposal to convert the vacant piece of land outside Tiara on Jalan 17/1 into a parking lot.

We got your message, and we will honour it, since there was absolutely no letters for turning the lovely and serene land bank into a "noisy, dust emitting, value-depre­ciating, security-risk, eyesore" car park, to quote from the many letters received.

The Management Council is now looking into the alternative of creating parking lots along Jalan 17/1, near both King’s and Queen’s Gates.

More good news for nature lovers: Tree felling will be kept on hold for the moment, and the Management will look into other methods of termite control.

The Management will also be rectifying the speed bumps to smoothen it out to MBPJ standards, so as not to cause "illness" to the bellies of our cars. Just give us some time for this to be rectified.

Since the proposal has now become a non-issue, and due to space constraints, we will not be printing any more letters on the conversion of the land bank into a parking lot after this issue. However, we will put all these letters up on the Tiara Times website. We sincerely thank each and every one of you who have taken the time to write to us.

Now, just keep your emails coming. Let us have some interesting emails, about anything you would like to share with us. After such a flurry of emails on the green land bank, TT may feel at a loss if it were to revert to the original status quo - a slow trickle of emails. So, keep in touch and keep those emails flowing in.

– Editor

Letter - Additional Parking

Dear Editor,

I’ve come to hear about the proposal to turn the vacant piece of land along 17/1 to a car park. Instead of using up a lovely piece of land that serves to beautify (and add to the value) our development, can I suggest that Jalan 17/1 be widened instead. A practical solution indeed – we benefit from the much-needed free parking for residents and guests, and the greenery remains protected.

Worried Resident.

Letter - Additional Parking

Dear Editor,

I am against the idea of converting the land bank along Jalan 17 /1 into a car park. I would like to point out that I bought that particular unit facing the greens because it is lovely to look at. The trees not only add serenity to my unit, but it keeps it cool because of their shade.

My current tenant mentioned to me too that they liked the unit because it was so pleasant to look out and see the foliage of the trees outside.

I disagree with the article in Tiara Times which stated that with the creation of the parking lot there, "The security of the units fronting it will be improved, as there will be guards manning the parking lot and the entrance into Tiara."

As far as I can see, it is better to have only one opening for cars entering and exiting. Currently we have two openings, and there have been several break-ins at Tiara, so what more with three openings. We must not kid ourselves that the guards will be awake all night to keep watch. They are only human, and there have been several reported cases of guards dozing off in the wee hours of the morning. So please don't assume that new opening will be constantly manned by guards, and hence there will be security.

I think the email by Concerned proposing that we should get MPPJ 's approval to widen Jalan 17/1 and create legitimate parking bays is an excellent one.

Hilmi

Letter - Tree-Cutting

Dear Editor,

Recently, Mutiara Goodyear Development Bhd stated in the newspaper that its latest project, Mutiara Upper East Ampang, a high-end condo, would be "a sanctuary set amidst lush greenery, designed to calm and recharge, and a place one can retreat to."

When Bandar Country Homes in Rawang was built, units were snapped up because "it was a green haven where residents felt that the beautiful greenery, hillside area and pine trees along the roads exuded a calm atmosphere when they returned home from work. "It is good to come home to a bit of country lifestyle", many residents said.

In mid-July, I was invited for lunch at the Bukit Gita Bayu (also known as Windsong Heights), a 118-acre development of bungalows and walk-up apartments that reflected the architectural philosophy of conserving and retaining the existing natural environment and terrains. The architect, Lek Bunnag and the landscape architect, Bill Bensley, followed three essential elements in their approach to building Bukit Gita Bayu, two of which pertain to: retaining as many of the existing trees and shrubs as possible to preserve the natural character of the area; construction and buildings planned to minimise earthworks and the removal of trees.

As one can note from these three different housing projects, each and every one places high emphasis on nature and greenery, to give it an ambience and serenity so vital in the stressful world we live in today.

I therefore appeal that our trees - or whatever we have left - be kept and not taken away from us Tiarans.

Pat

Letter - Visitor Parking, Security, etc.

Dear Editor,

I heard there might be some changes to the car park system because of visitor needs. There is already a Visitor Parking area now, and it is quite empty most of the time. Consideration of residents should be first and foremost in any changes, not visitors!

The present arrangement is working well and I do not see the need to change anything just for the sake of changing. It is very frustrating and taxing for residents, especially senior members like myself.

I have stayed in Tiara for more than a decade and I have seen it all. At my age, all I want is to be able to live peacefully without having to undergo unnecessary anxiety such as those created by car park problems. I certainly hope there will be continuity in this aspect.

If I may say so, there are other more pressing issues the Council should look into, one of which is Security. I think this is rather critical in view of break-ins every now and then.

Whilst on this subject, I have always been wondering why a guard is made to sit opposite the Q/18 block practically the whole day, every day. It seems to me to be nonproductive deployment of manpower. Surely it would make more sense for him to patrol the area.

Another issue is our water woes. Not only is the water dirty, we run into water supply problems from time to time. The pumps in Astana seem to be failing too often and we poor residents are at their mercy. Ridiculous as the setup may be, a more satisfactory and enduring solution need to be found.

I realize that it is easier said than done but this is a matter more worthy of attention and action, rather than fiddling around with the car park system that is working well.

To date, I think the Tiara Management Council members have been doing a great job. And I hope that trend will continue.

Thank you so much.

Cheah

Security Forum

There will a Talk / Forum on:

Property and Vehicle Security Enhancement.

By: Mr. Eddie Chin, President of the Master Locksmiths Association Of Malaysia (MLAM)

On: Saturday, 9th September 2006 from 4:00-6:00 pm

At: Community Area in front of the Squash Courts

The talk will be on security and proper locking devices & electronic systems and to better understand what security is all about.

They will be exhibiting some mechanical and electronic security devices to view and these devices may also be purchased during the forum at a discount.

All Residents are encouraged to attend.

Thank You.

The Management

Tiara Times Website

There were errors in the previous issue of Tiara Times: The blogspot address for Tiara Times should be tiara-times.blogspot.com and the address for Tiara Damansara blogspot is tiaradamansara.blogspot.com.

Also, due to space constraints, we will not be able to print all letters to the Editor. Nevertheless, we will be putting these letters on the Tiara Times Website. Thus the Website will be more than just a web version of Tiara Times, so do check it out.

Nature Excursion

Neal Nirmal, Programme Coordinator of the Nature Tourism outfit Kampung Hijau (Green Village), is organising a 3-day 2-night nature trip to the Belum-Temenggor forest reserve in Perak.

The 300,000-hectare reserve, approximately 130 million years old, is more ancient than the Amazon and the Congo and much more complex in its diversity. With high rates of endemism within its unique flora and fauna, the reserve has helped Malaysia gain recog­nition as one of only a dozen mega-diversity countries in the world. Supporting over 3,000 flowering plants, large populations of large animals and visited by 2,000 globally threatened Plain-pouched hornbills, a phenomenon not known to occur anywhere else in the world, the reserve faces many threats.

For Tiarans (and their relatives and friends), who would like to experience the wonders of this reserve, Green Village is offering a Temenggor Nature Excursion. The excursion includes boat ride to and from the reserve, a hornbill watch, night walks through the reserve, observing a logging camp, visiting an orang asli village, a boat ride to the Temenggor Dam, a visit to an elephant salt lick, caving, a hot spring visit, and bamboo rafting, picnic at a waterfall, a Rafflesia watch, and a visit to the Archaeological Museum near Lenggong town.

All this for only RM280 per pax (for 10-19 people), or RM230 per pax (for 20 or more people). Meals, including a BBQ, are included. The excursion starts on Friday, Sept.29th, at 7.30am from Taiping.

For those interested, email Neal Nirmal at:

kghijau1@tm.net.my or telephone/fax him at

605-8074563 / 012-6195432, for more details.

Tiaran Profile – Catherine Diong

How many Tiarans realise that Tiara Damansara is the very first condominium built in Petaling Jaya? It was only after the successful launch of Tiara that other developers rushed in to cash in on condo-living, with University Towers, Prima 16, and now, too many to mention as high-rise living mushroomed all over Petaling Jaya.

One of the oldest residents here, Catherine Diong, imparted this to me. She moved in a year after the condo was completed in l992, thirteen years ago, with her husband, Ding Chin Kwong and their three children. Because the concept of a full-fledged condominium was new in 1989, when it was opened for booking, all units were sold out. Work started then and it was completed two years later.

The couple chose to purchase a unit here since, as Catherine stated, "It was a very classic condo, low rise, and with low density. It had a lovely ambience, mature trees, colourful plants and flowers, a pool and full condo facilities. In those days, it was not common to have a swimming pool, tennis court, sauna, gymnasium and squash courts, so we decided to buy an apartment in Tiara and enjoy the facilities."

She mentioned that back then, there many foreign expatriates renting units here, "because Tiara was so green, so full of lovely trees, so quiet, and one did not have to move out of the grounds to swim, play tennis, squash, have a sauna, hold a BBQ, and enjoy a well equipped canteen. Those wanting a walk or jog could also do so in the safety of the grounds."

Back then, the scenery was very different as compared to the present. Mature trees stood all around. Jalan 17/1 was a dead end road at Astana, and Phileo Damansara and other buildings did not exist. "It was wonderful owning a beautiful property next to nature, so lush and green, cool, peaceful and quiet. It was not surprising at all that the expatriates enjoyed renting units here."

But this was not meant to last. The Management run by the developer was undedicated and lacking in management skills. The once beautiful condo was allowed to run down. Repairs that needed doing were not maintained. The sun and rain played havoc with the paintwork. Soon, Tiara looked dilapidated. The expatriates packed their bags and left for newer condos and as a result, the canteen lost business and closed down.

Thus, some owners took the initiative and urged other owners to get their strata titles enabling the owners to take over the management of Tiara from the developer. Hence the Tiara Damansara Management

Council was born about 5 years ago. Catherine is happy with the Management Council. Slowly but steadily, new life was breathed into the condo, with the repainting of the entire building transforming it to its former pristine look.

Catherine is full of praise for the Management Council that took over from the Management run by the developer. "Tiarans started noticing the improvements not only in its physical appearance but the rules and regulations Tiarans had to observe, to enable the place to be better run", she added.

Prices have started increasing again, and Tiara is now a popular property, with many waiting to purchase units here, so she understands from real estate agents living here.

How does she take to her moniker as Grandmother of the United Nations? She smiled broadly. "I love my ‘chu-chu’ here and often go to the children's playground to meet them. I have 'grandchildren' of many nationalities, among them Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sudanese, Filipinos, Mongolians, Chinese and Indian nationals. I enjoy playing with them."

Born in Penang, Catherine married at 27, but has "no grandchildren of my own as yet. But my ‘UN chu chu’ make me very happy," she added.

A civil servant in the Ministry of Education till she retired, she now spends her time traveling abroad visiting her businessman son in Holland, and younger daughter Chae Li when she was a student in the UK. Chae Li, a lawyer, now works at the UN Refugee Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Husband Chin Kwong (who worked in PKNS before his retirement) prefers hiring a car and seeing the sights by themselves when they are abroad. Or they may book a tour after they fly into a country.

Except for China, Catherine and Chin Kwong have been around the world. "But I would like to visit China one of these days," she said.

As for hobbies, Catherine enjoys reading. It is a must for her to read the newspaper every day, and she also enjoys a magazine or the Readers Digest. Now that elder daughter, Chae Lian is a producer and entertainment promoter, bringing in international shows to Kuala Lumpur, she attends plays and other forms of entertainment as well.

Today, Catherine is a contented woman. She need not worry about her grown children, and she lives in a "nice place which is home, Tiara."

Letter - Additional Parking

Dear Editor,

I was interested to note in the article Additional Parking, that "security was an issue. In its current state, this area is a security risk, as the trees and bushes provide cover from the road for potential burglars."

Did we not read in an earlier article in Tiara Times that the break-ins in Tiara were inside jobs and executed by residents and not outsiders?

I don't know about bushes providing cover for these thieves, because if a Tiaran would like to look at the green bank, there are no bushes at all for these creatures to take cover in, but open spaces for people to picnic in, instead.

And if, as the writer stated, "the security of the units fronting it will be improved ,as there will be guards manning the parking lot and entrance into Tiara," may I state the opposite.With more openings, there will be less security.

Guards have been known to sleep whilst on duty. After all, working 12 hour shifts can be draining, more so in hot and humid conditions, so, instead of more security, I am confident residents along this stretch will feel more uneasy. I know I will for sure.

All for Picnicking There Instead of Carparking.

Letter - Additional Parking

Dear Editor

I fear when I think what would the sight be if the forest beside the block K and Q were to be destroyed to make way for a car park. Sure .. we need a car park, it is a necessity, but please ...not at the price of beautiful, fresh , clean , green trees!

I have been residing at Tiara D for the last three years, and I for one believe that this must be one of the most wonderful homes to be at, at least around PJ. I was looking for a place around PJ to rent, and I must confess here that I fell in love with Tiara D the moment I stepped in, not to say even when I set eyes on it, and in particular, my unit. Want to know the reason? It was the wonderful sight of the greeneries from outside the balcony, and my bedroom. Not forgetting the fresh, crisp fragance after the rain! I even took out the grill from my bedroom window (although it could be safety threatening) so that I could have a better view. Every morning, that’s the first ritual I do, look out of the windows to greet the leaves, and birds, squirrels, twigs that seem to be saying "good day" to me ! Now, how could I give all these up ...

It will be heart breaking for me, if the trees make way for a car park. Aaargh...cannot imagine the pollution, dirt, noise that will wake me up in the morning. It is sad when nature is the one always abused for the comfort of men. Not only do nature keep us happy, they keep us well too, they keep us breathing. We take so much from nature, and sadly, give nothing back.

Please, do consider this appeal of mine, which I am sure is shared by many. Do not forsake the very thing that makes us special. I must say since I have moved in here, all my visitors, family, relatives and friends simply love this place. They just want to visit me all the time, even have said that they will trade their home for this. They say that Tiara is so serene, homely, fresh, green, beautiful. Please do take note of this. I am sure the Management is aware of this.

So...let us keep our green forest...our green peace!

A Forest Fairy

Letter - Additional Parking

Dear Editor,

Here are my comments/concerns regarding the car park issue along Jalan 17/1:

1. Car park will disrupt peaceful environment enjoyed by residents and patrons
2. Property value in the area will be affected
3. Pollution due to increased traffic
4. Possibility for unhealthy conduct to occur if area not monitored well

Suggestions:

1. If car park will be built, leave a substantial belt of greenery seperating the residential area
2. Effective car park system to be developed. Car park to be monitored at ALL times to make sure no unhealthy conduct
3. Make sure prestige of area upheld by implementing strict rules/regulations/landscaping

Thanks,
Jeremy

Letter - Additional Parking

Dear Editor,

I read with great dismay the article on the “Additional Parking” proposal in the July 1^st 2006 edition of Tiara Times.

As the owner of a unit facing the vacant piece of land along Jalan 17/1, it is of grave concern to me that this piece could one day be converted into a parking lot.

I understand that lack of parking poses a problem to residents here. In fact, in that article, it was highlighted that some potential buyer even chose not to conclude a deal to purchase a property here due to this factor. May I inform the Tiara Management Committee (TMC) that I on the other hand, decided to close the deal and purchase a unit here a year ago mainly because I was attracted to the greenery surrounding this area. Unlike newly developed area in Damansara Perdana, Kota Damansara and Mount Kiara, I deliberately chose to buy a unit in Tiara Damansara because of the mature trees and green banks surrounding the condominium. This is because I felt the greenery imparted a serene and lovely ambience to the condo setting.

It was further mentioned in the article that converting the land bank into a car park would be in the interest of residents and proprietors. Is it not unfair for the TMC to speak on behalf of the residents who will not be affected by this conversion? Was a survey made before TMC made that statement? If no survey has been made, how then would TMC know that it would be in the interest of all residents and owners?

Is it acceptable, or just, that in TMC’s attempt to provide car parking facilities for some, it is done at the expense of those who may be adversely affected by this conversion? The Management need to look after and serve the interests of ALL residents in Tiara. And in providing for the interest of some, it should not be at the expense of or detrimental to the interests of others.

The article also mentioned that the value of property would increase as the result of this conversion. But for owners of units facing the proposed car park, we know our apartments will come down in value. We do not need the services of a genius to tell us that! For, with the car park located adjacent to our units, we (those owning ground floor ones) will have unwelcome lights shining into our homes and, more distressingly, into our bedrooms. Needless to say our privacy will be invaded.

I therefore urge that the Management to act justly and serve in the interest of all Tiarans. Decisions made through ballots during an EGM or AGM do not reflect a good management, since good management is all about exercising good and fair judgement before implementing proposals for the benefits of all. As I see it, instead of bringing a spirit of camaraderie and cohesion between Tiarans, this car park issue will create tension and revulsion between the residents of Tiara.

Julien Repellin