Volume 1 Issue 16

SEASONS GREETINGS

The Tiara Damansara Management Council would like to wish all Christian residents a most joyful and enjoyable Christmas; and to all Muslim residents, Selamat Hari Raya Aidil-Adha. Have a wonderful fun time with family, loved ones and friends.
We also take this opportunity to wish all residents a very Happy New Year, and a year ahead filled with all that is happiest.

Have a Merry Christmas, Selamat Hari Raya Aidil-Adha and a wonderful New Year.

Time For Charity

With 2006 coming to a close, it would be really wonderful if we could stop for a moment to think of the less fortunate and give of ourselves, because a little goes a long way.

There are so many charitable acts one can do for the less privileged. We often see so many sad cases all around us.

Not far away, at the Phillys Caring Home,19, Jalan 12 / 12, Petaling Jaya, many of the elderly inmates housed there do not ask for much – lonely people, they look forward to someone just to talk to them and share some time with them. Looked after by Phillys (79560799), some of the residents are in their late nineties. Most of the time, they sit in the hall, staring into space.

A Tiaran who visits them now and then, sometimes takes cooked bittergourd for them, a dish they enjoy, since they are able to chew the soft vegetable.

Another case is Uncle Loh, a small-built bespectacled old man who is bent double and homeless. He often makes the rounds outside the Mediviron Clinic or Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet in Paramount Garden, gratefully receiving whatever food passers-by may hand him. Since he has no specific area he calls home, one may have to recci the area to find him.

A worthy cause is the celebrated Sylvia Hyams, an elderly,bent-double widow with no income, looking after 3 children, Elizabeth, Peter and Charlene. Sylvia was named Mother of the Year once and featured in newspapers as well as TV. Except for Elizabeth, who is her own daughter, Peter and Charlene were adopted. Although 52, Elizabeth has the mentality of a l0 year old, Peter lies on the mattress 24 hours a day since he can neither sit up, hear, talk nor see. Charlene is mongoloid. But the lady with a heart as large as a football field says that she adopted them "because I have so much love to give the underprivileged."

Taking care of three people throughout the day and night is not taxing for her."I love them all, and they have no one to care for them. Who will look after them if I don’t," she said.

Christmas will be bleak for the Hyams family, since there is hardly any money or food except for what well-wishers sometimes give them. "But I understand that not many people have much these days, since times are bad," she stated matter-of-factlly. Sylvia can be contacted at: 016-3988632. Her land line was disconnected some years ago since she had no money to pay the bill.

For those wishing to brighten the lives of those mentioned above by interacting with them, thank you .

Letter To The Editor - Tiara Parking

Dear Editor,

As a matter of interest I would like to point out that when the "pioneers" moved into Tiara in the early 1990's, they were given two car stickers: one for their own lot, and the other, to park at any visitor lot on a first-come-first-served basis. It was accepted by Management that we could have more than one car entering the premises to park. For that matter, many residents even had three or four cars parking inside the condo grounds. There were no rented car lots as exist today.

From that point of view, I thought I should clarify that the sweeping statement that when residents bought a unit they were aware that only one car bay was available to them was not entirely correct. It is true only for the "Johnny come lately", if I may use that expression.

The one-unit-one-car-bay concept was strictly implemented only about four years back with the introduction of rented car lots. But many residents were so used to the free-for-all
parking that the initial demand for rented lots was only lukewarm. A resident could change his rented lot even the following day as there were many vacant lots available.

It was only after the introduction of this system that law and order prevailed in Tiara. For this, I would like to express my deep appreciation to the Tiara Management Council for doing an excellent job implementing this system. Great commitment was shown by those tasked to set this up, and special mention must go to Ms. Dawn Morris and Mr. Shuk Loh for soldiering on despite flak from some residents. Realising that team work was paramount in making this new system work, many residents helped to man the gates to prevent "gate crashing,” as it were.

I was also very pleased to read in the latest issue of Tiara Times that this topic has now been laid to rest. As "Without Prejudice / Owner" put it, it is now time to "move on" as TMC has "other agenda to look into.".There are so many other areas requiring TMC input and action to be looked into.

As far as I am concerned, over the past couple of years, the Council has done an excellent job. We now have better quality water as well as the more disciplined and professional Nepalese guards to uphold the security of Tiara, just to mention the main ones.

The efforts of the TMC towards solving the problems of Tiara are indeed commendable and I trust that it will continue to improve the living conditions of our condo in the years ahead.

Last, but certainly by no means least, Tiara Times will be one year old in January 2007. To the Editor and those on board, my heartfelt congratulations for a great newsletter. Besides keeping us informed of the goings-on and happenings in Tiara , I always read the articles contained with great interest, since they are relevant to us. I would like to add that Tiara Times is one piece of literature I always look forward to read.

Keep up the splendid work, and long live Tiara Times!

Old Timer

Letter To The Editor - Tiara Parking

Dear Editor,

The recent publication of the two letters by owners who face the "green lung" ("All for the Green Lung kept as it is" and "Another Owner") had me wondering why no editing was made to remove the apparent diatribe. After re-evaluating the didactics in the press, I must agree that the publication of these two letters is a necessary exercise of "maturing interactions" (quoting Prof. Datuk Dr Shamsul, Sun, 24.11.2006).

Parker, I hope you will not take the two responses to your earlier letter in a grievous way. After all, you are very much a part of our valued family in Tiara. Furthermore, you have spoken (somewhat) for me (and, I wonder, for how many more "Kiasu" among us) when it came to sounding out the need for additional car parks. My regret is that I did not have the moral fiber to stand up (then) - especially knowing the possibility of the type of diatribe that did arise (which I found rather intimidating). I can only blame it on my "Kiasu-Kiasi" upbringing. In fact, I personally would not dare ask for more parking spaces after this - and for that matter, even ask for anything.

Some of the points raised by the writers of the two letters have validity - and Parker's arguments also have validity. After all we must encourage opinions and be allowed to put forward our views. The determination of rights to the "green lung" is a subject that may not even belong to the purview of Tiarans but we should be allowed to be "passionate".

However, I seek - no - I beg that we must respect each other and our rights to opinions - and, more important, our rights to live in Tiara. But let us practise a bit of temperance. There is no necessity to suggest to our neighbors to "sell his unit and purchase one in another condo" or "find another place to live". These lines were probably written in moments of passion and sent out without the benefit of a "cooling-off" period for reconsideration. In the same vein, someone could ask me to go live in the jungle if I want my greens. The Tiara Times have actually fostered a lot of neighborliness and camaraderie over the past few months. Let us not treat these two letters as a counter to the goodwill being built up.

And in spite of the apparent "bluster", I still hold to the belief that the two writers are still my neighbours with intents of goodwill towards all of us.

An owner who hopes he will not be asked to leave Tiara or "go live in the jungle".

Letter To The Editor - Tiara Rental Parking

Dear Editor,

After reading the article on Tiara Rental Parking, I accept the fact that I have to await my turn for a car rental lot. However, I would like to point out that “each unit was allowed only one rented lot.” But I have noticed units with two rental lots. Can Management explain how this can be so?

I also found that at the visitor's parking near Queen's Gate, some lots are rented out for RM70 while others are rented out at RM150 – even more than covered lots. Why the big difference? Someone suggested that maybe the 'expensive' lots were for those who could afford to pay more to jump queue. Can Management explain this, please?

Still Waiting

Letter To The Editor - Landscaping

Dear Editor,

After the bashing Management received regarding the pruning and felling of trees in Tiara, I would like to offer my views on rejuvenating our flora .

By pruning the mature trees on our grounds Management hoped to ensure a safer environment. Trimming would minimize broken branches falling on residents or property, especially during storms or strong winds. Lopping off branches or leaves would also give a clearer and cleaner undergrowth, providing little chance for mosquitoes to breed, besides enabling better lighting at night.

On the recommendation of the pest control specialists, the chopping down of trees infected with termites was undertaken periodically on selected trees. These felled trees may look deceptively fine outwardly but the specialists assured us that their root system had been badly eaten by the termites. While some residents have suggested treating the soil around existing trees by pumping chemicals into the surrounding area, the problem may return later, resulting in more chemicals having to be put in. By being benevolent to an infected tree other healthy trees or properties might be affected. Thus, swift decisions needed to be taken from time to time to remove the diseased trees.

However,in view of the recent hullabaloo which ensued when Management embarked on a tree pruning and felling exercise, I would like to suggest that we organise a tree planting exercise so that our grounds will see again a proliferation of lovely trees.We could start by planting eght-foot tall juvenile trees, which are known to grow at phenomenal speed. The cost of such a tree would be between RM200-RM300 each. This constructive and productive exercise may be a good way of appeasing the grouses of residents who protested..

Let us get involved in the replanting of our flora so that we can revert to the good old days when we were a Living Eden!

An Ordinary Tiaran

Tiaran Profile - Renu

Passionate, enthusiastic, dedicated, energetic, friendly, imaginative, resourceful, caring – these and more, describe Renugathevi d/o Velayutham. The younger of two daughters of Mr. Velayutham, a teacher, and mother Veny, Renu, as she is known by, received her early education at the Tarcisian Convent, Ipoh, and later, the Raja Perempuan School, Ipoh, though she was born in Sungai Petani, Kedah.

It was after her Form 6 education, whilst waiting for her results, that her neighbour, a retired headmistress of the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, Ipoh, asked whether she would be interested to teach at the kindergarten she operated as a temp. Renu obliged, since it would be a few months before the start of her Law studies.

During the semester breaks, she returned to teach at the kindergarten. Though she enjoyed working with children, she was positive her future lay in being a lawyer. Never for one moment did the thought cross her mind that she would be a teacher. But in her final year in Law, to her surprise, she found that she enjoyed being with the little ones, so much so, she was willing to give up reading Law and be a full time kindergarten teacher. It was like she suddenly discovered her calling.

But how would she break the news to her parents? Taking the bull by the horns,she informed her father one day that she was eternally grateful to him for having expended so much money on her Law studies...but she felt her calling was not Law but teaching, a decision which caught him by surprise, shock, even.

That was 13 years ago, and she has not looked back ."I find that I still enjoy teaching children very much. I am even contemplating owning a kindergarten one day," she enthused. "That would be the next stage in my life."

Renu believes that a sound pre-school education is vital towards ensuring children excel academically and socially. And that it was important that as much fun as possible should be infused in all activities for the little ones. She believes that they learn more when they enjoy what they are doing, and her views were expressed in the February 2003 issue of Her World, a woman's magazine published in Malaysia.

Describing herself as a workaholic, the friendly, vivacious and pleasant Head of Centre at the EDUCARE Child Development Centre, a stone's throw from Tiara, at 42, Jalan 16/6, keeps upgrading herself on all matters dealing with children. She obtained a diploma from the Motherwell College, Scotland, another in Early Childcare and Education (which is the Montessori Method of Education), Malaysia, a third in Basic Childcare from the Social and Welfare Department of Malaysia and certificates from the Teachers Training in Perth;a Reading Adventures course from Heinemann Educational,UK; First Aid and CPR from the Malaysian Red Crescent Society; The Child Act 2001, from the Law Faculty of the University of Malaya; Classroom Dynamics, from the CFBT Education Services,Malaysia; Learning Through Play, from Ruth Liew/MBF, Phonics for Pre-Schoolers, from Pelangi Publishers, Malaysia; National Pre-School Curriculum 2003, from the Oxford University Press, Malaysia.

Being trained to look after, care for and educate young children is very different from putting a child under the care of a maid or a babysitter. Even Women,Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil stated that the current burgeoning industry comprising mostly unlicensed and untrained child-minders at Day Care Centres was highly unsatisfactory. Of the thousands of childcare centres operating in Malaysia, only a mere 1800 have permits, a statistic released by the Social Welfare Department.

EDUCARE, which is licenced, has been in operation for over 20 years, since l984. Its holistic approach combines both the Montessori and Educare methods, providing planned programmes in early childcare and education from nursery, kindergarten to pre-school levels.

Renu stated that the children are placed in small groups with a low teacher to child ratio to ensure personal attention to every child. Topics taught are varied and wide, from teaching English, Bahasa, Mathematics and Early Science to introduction to computers, environmental studies, cultural studies, human and social studies, moral and health issues, music and movement, drama and theatrical activities, creativity, and even cookery.

EDUCARE also takes the children for excursions, holiday fun camps, charity drives, festive gatherings as well as exposes them to various campaigns (e.g recycling), newspaper in education, concerts and annual sports. An annual Mothers and Fathers Day are also held, as well as a Parents' Day, besides the Graduation Ceremony for the children

Not many people are aware that the first 18 months of a child's life are a critical period for the child, and parents and child carers need to provide optimum experiences that would enhance and encourage learning, as stated by Dr. Chiam Heng Keng, President of the Association of Professional Early Childhood Educators and author of several books on children. She added that in the West, governments even poured the bulk of the Education Budget into childcare and pre-school.

Renu agrees. To this end, she continues to upgrade herself, aware that there is today a growing awareness of the importance of skills and knowledge for childcare providers. This has resulted in many institutions set up to cater to the growing number of people wanting to earn certificates to enable them to better understand childcare and child-minding training and build a career in this discipline.

Parents today understand that providing a good start is essential to their children's future. Noting that one of such institutions stated that "70% of a child's development takes place before the age of 4," childcare providers are seen as shouldering a huge responsibility.

"For childcare does not mean just feeding a child and putting it to sleep.Children have to be nurtured properly when they are very young.This requires proper skills, a caring personality and the right ethics", said Renu, who is extremely passionate about her work and her wards.

It is hence vital that childminders who are surrounded by boisterous, over active and demanding young children several hours a day have to possess the kind of personality that understands the young ones: oodles of tolerance, patience,energy,dedication,a good temper, calmness, friendliness and endurance! All of which Renu has in ample supply.

Renu is also a member of the Childcare Association of Malaysia, a member of OMEP (Worldwide Education for Children), a panellist on assisting writers of children's books, the chief organizer for various children's events such as concerts, sports, summer camps and charity shows, currently working on articles on children for a magazine on parenting, has directed several musicals (Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, The Tin Soldier, Romeo and Juliet) and has also run drama classes for children aged 2 - 12.

Besides hobbies like writing, drama, singing, baking, travelling, football, nature, Renu is also a social worker, offering free kindergarten classes on Sundays to children in Old Klang Road after the Kampung Medan incident. She is also involved in spiritual work by helping to organise annual events (like Gita Jayanti and The Celebration of the Bhagavad Gita) for the Pure Life Society, and has been its Honorary Secretary for the last 4 years.

Renu is planning to write books, but they will all be related to children. She started collecting data some years back, and is already thinking of collaborating with an artist friend for the pictures which dominate all children's books.

She enjoys living in Tiara, where she moved in three years ago. "I love the serenity here, and often have friends and relatives over to lepak. "But the workaholic admits that she must learn to relax and not think about work every minute of the day.

EDUCARE has openings for a rewarding teaching career for anyone interested in working with young children. Besides full time hours, there are also part time flexi hours. For more job information, Renu can be contacted at 012-3737349.

Volume 1 Issue 15

Recycling Bins

Since the cover story about Recycling in the August issue of Tiara Times, a check with the Management Office showed no increase in the number of times the MBPJ lorry came to download the bins of their contents.

The Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) spends RM50 million a year to discard residents' garbage... a very hefty sum indeed. MPSJ Councillor Yap Yun Fatt stated that 70% to 80% of household rubbish thrown away could be recycled. Not only would millions be saved, but there would not be a need for a new landfill. It is getting progressively harder to identify landfills because every pocket of land available is either surrounded by development or would be, in the near future. Even if a pocket of land was available, residents or housebuyers would protest vehemently against the opening of a new landfill not far from their homes.

A practical solution, naturally, would be to train residents to recycle their household rubbish.So,Tiarans, do your bit for the environment and your community and drop your recyclables into the three coloured bins at Queen's Gate and the TNB Substation on King's Crescent.

There are so many things which can be recycled:empty cereal boxes, cardboard boxes used for gifts, old newspapers, magazines, boxes where purchases like toasters, toys, computers, etc. were wrapped in, water bottles, ketchup bottles, soya sauce bottles, empty beer cans, aerated drink cans ... all items ubiquitous in every household.

Currently,the bins are cleared about twice a fortnight, which is not good enough for a condo of 351 units. So, let us do our bit and up this to once a week... hopefully?

Mosquito Breeding Grounds

A check by a Tiara Management Council member and the Tiara Office showed that potted plants on the grounds where residents keep gardens are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. With the heavy monsoon rains so prevalent currently, the pots fill up with water, and since the water does not drain out of the containers, mosquitoes are having a merry time breeding larvae.

The Management would like to bring to the attention of all residents with such potted plants to take the necessary measures to ensure that mosquito larvae do not breed in their gardens. MBPJ officials make periodic checks for mosquito breeding grounds, penalising those found to be at fault. Please ensure your gardens are safe from such a menace.

Tiara Rental Parking

With the recent discussions about parking lots in Tiara Damansara, a resident wrote to enquire about the parking lot rental system. Some of the questions asked were:

· How long is the waiting list for a rental lot?

· Can you choose which lot you want? (closer to your own unit)

· What is the system used for allocation of lots?

· Is this system fair? Can it be changed?

This article is an attempt to answer the above questions, to further discuss the rental system, and to get feedback from readers.

When the Tiara Management Council first created parking lots for rent in 2001, the response was over­whelming. In the first year, residents had to wait in line to register for the lots. The following year, knowing the limited supply, residents queued before dawn to ensure they got choice lots. However, the year after, to avoid another rush, Management decided to allow those who already had lots to keep their bays for another year. Those who did not get rental lots but wanted one would then put their names on a Waiting List. And as and when lots became available these would be offered to those on the List on a first come, first served basis.

Management then also decided to allow those with rented lots to renew their lots indefinitely — but with several conditions attached: the renter had to pay in advance not only the rental sum for three months(one quarter) but the service charge for those months as well; each unit was allowed only one rented lot, and the renter was to use that lot for the designated vehicle only; the lot should also not be left unused. These, and other conditions, were put down in agreements and signed by the renter. Management though, had the right to rescind the lot at any time for whatever fair reason - for example, when Management took back lots to accommodate parking for visitors at King's Gate.

Initially there were as many as 40 - 50 names on the Waiting List. However, now, after 5 years, there are only about 20 names, even though the number of lots available had not increased much. The guess here is that residents are now accepting the reality that parking is limited within Tiara, and have adapted accordingly.

As the lots are rented on a 3-month basis, some become available at the end of each quarter when a renter moves out, sells his vehicle, etc., hence TMC cannot guarantee a time frame when a unit can be available for the next person on the Waiting List. From past history, the wait may take up to 6 months (2 quarters), or even a year or more if a renter prefers one close to his residence.

When a lot becomes available the person atop the List is offered the bay. But should that person refuse the lot because it is far from his residence, the lot is offered to the next person. So, technically, if a person wishes to choose a lot close to his residence, he has to be prepared to wait longer until a nearby lot becomes available.

Nevertheless, some residents who have not been successful getting a lot and have been on the Waiting List for some time, have questioned the fairness of the current system. They argue that the existing system is unfair since it is weighted in favour of current renters who are allowed to keep their lots for as long as they wish.

These disgruntled residents propose a "rotational system" where a time frame is given to the current renters, after which they would have to give up their lots to others. Then, in the next cycle, those could get their lots again.

On the other hand, proponents of the current system argue that the current system is fair, as it rewards "long time" residents. They state that they had stayed in Tiara and rented the lots for a long time. They had started by awaiting their turn and hence it would be unfair if someone new who had just moved in should get a rented lot. The newcomer should await his turn, like they had to, in the past, and in due course get to keep the lot given him for as long as he would like to have it.

As to whether the system needs to be changed, the Management Council had looked into this matter last year and decided to leave it to the residents to give their feedback. The following alternatives were given:

1. Queuing Up:This was the original system. Renters are only allowed a fixed period after which the queuing is repeated.

2. Rotational Waiting List:In this system renters are only allowed a fixed time period, after which they revert to the bottom of the Waiting List whilst others at the top get their turn.

3. Drawing of Lots: Applicants draw numbers. Whoever gets number 1 gets to pick a lot first, number 2, the second, and so on until all the lots are taken up.Again, renters are only allowed a fixed time period after which the process is repeated.

4. Tender/Bidding Basis: Applicants put in a tender price that they are willing to pay for a specific rental lot. Once the tenders are closed the bids are opened and whoever bid the highest for a specific lot gets the bay. This system is similar to the JPJ tender for car registration licence plates and reflects a free-market system. However, opponents of this system say that it favours the "richer" residents.

In all the above alternatives there is a fixed time period (most likely a year) after which the whole process has to be repeated, a time consuming and major task in itself. One good thing about the current system is that since the tenancy period is indefinite, there is less headache not only for those renting, but for Management as well.

Management requested feedback from residents through survey forms. One of the questions asked was whether residents wanted the current system changed and, if so which of the alternative systems listed above was preferred.

The results of the survey showed that more than 60%of those who sent in the forms chose to keep the existing system. Not surprising, really, considering that those who had lots preferred to keep their lots for as long as they wanted. Those without lots, naturally, cried foul and wanted the system changed. But the voice of the majority was taken into consideration, and thus the status quo remained.

Thus, it appears as though the current system is here to stay. And since the prospect of creating additional parking lots in the near future seems unlikely, new or prospective residents have to accept the fact that if they need a parking lot for their second car, they have to await their turn.

Letter To The Editor - Festival Get-Together

Dear Editor

I was disappointed to read that Management will not be having any more festival get-togethers. If the aim was to foster goodwill and a spirit of camaraderie among residents, I disagree this has failed.

I attended the last Chinese New Year get-together, and there were more than just a handful of people there – about the same, or even more, than at the AGM. I dare say all who were present enjoyed themselves, especially the children, who were given angpows. Maybe there were the same faces, but what’s wrong with that? There were also some new faces.

Except for the AGM, which is a meeting, rather than a get-together, these are the few times residents can get together, meet one another and even get to meet the Management staff and council members and enjoy the festivities together. In the website, it was stated that the aim was to get Tiarans who live here to interact, to get to know one another, to do things together, to laugh together - in short, be one big happy family! Cancelling the get-togethers is short-sighted and a step backwards.

This is the time for us to experience and show tolerance and understanding of the different festivals and cultures, fostering goodwill and a spirit of camaraderie among residents. It is my hope that the Management will reconsider the decision made and continue with the festival get-togethers again.

Disappointed

Letter To The Editor - Festival Get-Together

Dear Editor,

I read with sadness that Tiara will not be holding any more festive get-togethers for residents. I wonder why residents here are not interested in getting to know one another, gain more friends, have a good time, enjoy a spirit of camaraderie, etc.

More so when I read an article in the papers recently about the residents of Desa Tanjung Apartment in Puchong who were able to organise a Malam Muhibbah to celebrate the different races living in the condo and have a good and fun time.

Not only did the residents there respect the sensitivities of the various races, they even managed a cross-cultural performance in which the various cultural dances were performed by the children. A Chinese girl in baju kurung did a Malay dance, whilst a Chinese boy dressed in kingly garb did an Indian dance, and Malay and Indian children performed the Chinese fan dance. The talented Chinese MC spoke in English, Chinese, Malay and a smattering of Tamil.

The food served was halal, and no beef was served either.

Congratulations to Desa Tanjung Apartment for such a wonderful gathering. You have set a wonderful example to all Malaysians what it is like to live in racial harmony.

Now, if only we in Tiara, such a wonderful place to live in, can attempt something like that! For starters, maybe bring back the festive get-togethers?

All For Get-Togethers

Letter To The Editor - Tiara Parking

I read with much interest the letters in Tiara Times Volume 1, Issue 13 by "Without Prejudice / Owner" and "Old Timer". First things first, no green lungs should be unnecessarily sacrificed to be converted for parking. I do understand the concerns of balancing nature and practicality. We have 3 cars, and we make do by parking 2 outside (and was one of the victims of vandalism not too long ago).

Perhaps the suggestion by "Without Prejudice / Owner" to park just across the road from Tiara is the most practical - it's free parking, and not too far walking distance from Tiara.

However, I guess many residents may be concerned about safety, since it is a distance away (from either of the Gates). Thus, for security and safety concerns, perhaps openings could be made somewhere in -between the two guard houses (one to connect to the walkway leading to Kings, and the other, leading to the little corridor in between the Queen blocks). And how would the guards be able to check who goes in and out? I suggest installing a reader and issuing resident cards (similar to the ones used for vehicle access).

Of course there is no foolproof way to address the issue of vandalism – whether you park along Jalan 17/1 or opposite you could still be a potential victim! Bear in mind that no matter what measures or suggestions the Management comes up with, there will ALWAYS be resistance. But like "Without Prejudice / Owner" said, move on, for you just can’t please everybody!

As for priority allocation for senior citizens, if they get special treatment, others too may also ask for special treatment. Please do not take umbrage over what I have said. I do respect the elderly and I also support the suggestion that they should have priority. But if not done properly, we may end up with the possibility of other residents demanding special treatment too! (the sickly, pregnant women, etc). So, though I find "Old Timer's" suggestion good, I feel it is not feasible.

Before concluding, I would like to thank the Tiara Management Council for expending so much time and effort trying to find a solution to what I see as an insolvable problem. Thank you for doing your best to make Tiara a happier and better place to live in.

Condo Living

The Importance Of Having A Will

More than RM38 billion is lying around unclaimed because no wills had been made during the life time of the more than million deceased whose assets have been frozen. This is a frightening number of people who died without making a will, resulting in hardship for those left behind.

Because assets cannot be sold, utilised or shared out between the living relatives without a valid will, many properties left by the deceased cannot be claimed or touched. Hence, lands lie idle, bank accounts frozen, shares unable to besold… the list goes on. Even the Government cannot touch such properties, like prime land in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, since some of the owners died intestate (ie. without leaving a will) hence development cannot take place until inheritance claims by the heirs have been settled.

It is never too early to write a will but given the mindset of Malaysians, who think there is a feeling of finality when one draws up a will, more than 90% of eligible adults have not done so. There seems to be a "pantang" when the topic turns to doing a will, as if doing this means it is time for the person to "pass on."

Sometimes, though, through procrastination, ignorance or the misconception that it costs a fortune to draw up a will, many people have not done so. Many adults do not realise that there is a legal process to go through before their assets can be transferred to their wife or children. They presume, wrongly, that their assets automatically go to their children and spouse when they die. Because of this ignorance, those left behind may encounter endless problems.

Sometimes, stepchildren, illegitimate children, special children, estranged spouses, aged parents or relatives, long time companions, or even outsiders preferred by the deceased, get nothing after a person passes on unless a will had been made during the deceased's lifetime. There have been instances where a father, enraged by his son's high-living and irresponsible behaviour, for example, does a will leaving the reprobate with RM1 in his will. The nominal sum is necessary, to show that the father had not forgotten the son, in case the latter puts up a case that he had been inadvertently left out.

When someone dies intestate, all his assets are frozen.Their heirs then have to go to a lot of trouble getting a Letter of Administration from the High Court, before the deceased’s assets can be unfrozen, a process which may take years. Depending on the size of the estate, as well as the complexity, high costs maybe incurred. However, if a person dies testate (with a will), the High Court will issue a Grant of Probate, a process which takes between two months to a year.

Before the assets can be transferred to the heirs, all outstanding debts (if any) have to be settled before they can be distributed to the heirs. But whether a person dies testate or intestate, it is always prudent to have nominees in insurance policies and the Employees' Provident Fund because these two items supercede the will.

In fact, what many people may not realise is that any adult can draw up a will so long as he/she is of sound mind, has 2 witnesses and complies with the Wills Act 1959. But of course, some expertise may be necessary to ensure it stands up to any dispute in Court.

Most people think of engaging the services of a lawyer when drawing up a will. But professional will writers are available to do these either at their offices or even the comfort of your own home. Fees range from a mere RM380 to a higher end of RM8,000 depending on the complexities of your will.

Whilst writing a will is important, equally important is its safekeeping. Keeping a will in a safe deposit box is not a good idea because when a person dies, access to the box is frozen. Rockwills provides safekeeping of wills, which are also easily retrieved using a unique identity card system.

Just as we can be sure that death is as certain as having to pay taxes, we can also be sure that writing a will is as inevitable as death. So, for Malaysians, and for us here in Tiara more specifically, since this is being highlighted in Tiara Times, if you have not drawn up your will, now is as good a time as any to get this important business done.

For those wishing to do their wills, we have two Tiarans who can be of assistance:

1.Ms. Linnet Lee: 0SK: 012 -2 917138

2.Mr. Jonson Chong:Rockwills : 012-2961276