PRESS STATEMENT

14 October 2009

GREEN POLICY WORKSHOP: SELANGOR AIMS FOR MODEL GREEN STATE


Shah Alam – Selangor executive councilor for tourism, consumer affairs and environment, YB Elizabeth Wong formally launched the first consultation workshop of the Selangor State Environmental Policy (Dasar Alam Sekitar Selangor) on 9 October 2009 at the Quality Hotel.

There were 21 environmental non-governmental organizations, seven related governmental departments and two youth observer groups who attended this workshop. The workshop was held to present and explain a draft of the Selangor State Environmental Policy to all the participants, and to solicit their professional input into this novel policy.

In her opening speech, YB Elizabeth Wong explained that the formulation of this green policy was historical moment for Malaysian states in environmental management. While the National Policy on the Environment provides general guidance, she said that since Selangor state was one of the most developed and highly populated in the country, it was necessary to formulate an environmental policy that was customised to its socio-economic and environmental conditions.

She also hoped to achieve four objectives with the launch of the policy consultation process. First, Selangor government has to establish an environmental policy tailored to the conditions and needs of the state. Second, she wanted this workshop to contribute towards the institutionalization of participatory democracy in policy making. She said that every Selangor citizen has a right to participate in shaping the state’s future. Third, the finalized policy will be a public document and stand as a means for citizens to hold state government accountable. Fourth, the Selangor state government wants to signal to the public, other state governments, and the Federal government that Selangor is taking leadership on environmental matters.

Lastly, YB Elizabeth Wong wanted other state governments and the Federal government to work together to achieve sustainability. The consultation workshop was just a starting point for Selangor's green ambitions. Participants were given two weeks time to submit their suggestions and criticism about the draft policy.

Several subsequent rounds of consultation are planned over the next few months, including sessions with industry and grassroots public consultations across Selangor's administrative districts.




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