Elyas: Much work needed for 2020

WHEELCHAIR-BOUND: Elyas Omar suffered a slipped disc some time ago — Pic: RAZAK GHAZALI

KUALA LUMPUR: Once the icon of Kuala Lumpur. Tan Sri Elyas Omar had his fair share of fans and critics as he played the role of the city’s third datuk bandar (lord mayor) for more than a decade. It was on this very day, 31 years ago, that he assumed the hot seat until he left office in 1992.

Born on Nov 16, 1936, this former Penang Free School student is well-known among city dwellers and has carved a name in the sports scene, sitting as president of the Badminton Assoociation of Malaysia, the KL Football Association and vice presidnet of the FA of Malaysia in the 80s and 90s.

Elyas was instrumental in beautifying the city via the KL Orchid Park, KL Bird Park, Bandar Tun Razak Park and Permaisuri Lake Gardens. He planned the integration of KL’s transportation system and the construction of the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil well ahead of the 1998 Commonwealth Games.

He was, however, embroiled in a controversy for failing to adhere to Treasury regulations after purchasing 23 Volvo cars for City Hall. Taking full responsibility, he relinquished his position on Sept 17, 1992.

Age has caught up, but Elyas remains his witty self despite being wheelchairbound for the past eight months due to a spinal problem.

The Malay Mail senior journalist HARESH DEOL caught up with the man as he spoke about the difficulty of pleasing ministers, developing Kampung Baru to the construction of an “underground city” ahead of the Federal Territories Day celebration today.

The Malay Mail (TMM): Good afternoon, sir. How’s your back?

Elyas Omar (EO): I suffered a slipped disc, sometime ago, but was still able to walk. I could feel some pain and discomfort, and it worsened as there was a problem with a nerve in my spinal cord, and this later affected my legs. I try to use a walking aid (points to a pair of forearm crutches) but my kneecaps are giving me problems as well. It’s part and parcel of aging. (smiles)

TMM: Let’s start with your days as the Lord mayor. Do you think things are different today compared to your days as mayor?

EO: I was both the secretary-general of the Federal Territory Ministry, as it was known then, and the mayor. I held two positions with one salary until then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad, abolished the ministry. I was lucky Tun wanted me to deal directly with him as it made my job easier. Although, legally, the mayor has ultimate powers over city council matters, it is difficult when there is a minister directly above you. Now, they have brought back the FT Ministry (the current Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry).

TMM: Is it safe to say our current mayor, Datuk Seri Ahmad Fuad Ismail, does not enjoy the “freedom” you have had? What do you think of Ahmad Fuad?

EO: He is good. But now, we have too many people wanting to have a say. Life is difficult for a mayor. I had to deal with ministers, so I can truly understand his problem. Tun Mahathir saw the problem and he quickly did something about it, abolishing the (FT) ministry.

TMM: But the FT Ministry isn’t the only problem. We now have opposition leaders in various constituencies in KL.

EO: I don’t think that’s a problem. When I was mayor, Batu and Cheras were under the Opposition, but City Hall came under the federal government, so there were no major issues. If I could do it, I suppose the other mayors are able to do it, too.

TMM: What about calls to initiate local council elections?

EO: I’ll write about that in my book.

TMM: A book? Let’s leave that for later. Do you believe KL is ready for 2020?

EO: Yes, but subject to several factors. A lot of work has got to be done and we are pressed for time.

Firstly, we must know what we are doing. Secondly, there should already be an eight-year plan in place, with an annual review of those plans. It will be a pressure cooker plan, but KL can be transformed into a city just like New York or Tokyo.

I had, during my time, pushed for a network of walkways in the city. Also, I was a strong advocate of setting up a network of underground walkways sandwiched by stalls or malls under the city. I wanted to build an underground city in KL. I visited cities in the USA and Japan. During one of my visits to Nagoya (Japan), I couldn’t find any shops as there was so much open space and the shops were underground instead! The Japanese and Westerners go underground to escape the cold weather, especially during winter. We could use the same concept, too, with the underground city fully air conditioned so we can escape the heat above.

It didn’t materialise during my time, but I’m glad the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) has launched a pedestrian walkway (from KLCC to Bukit Bintang) recently. I hope to see more of such walkways because walking is healthy.

TMM: But wouldn’t there be lots of land acquisition issues when building an underground city?

EO: I don’t see it as a problem. We either buy the land from the owners or embark on a long-term lease. After all, it is the underground that is going to be developed. I’m sure the legalities can be sorted out between the owners and the government.

An underground city would also promote a comprehensive transport plan and the construction of a non-stop rail line connecting major areas. The city will be a safer place to live in. Women don’t want to walk alone in a tunnel at night. I remember a lot of people were mugged in the short tunnel connecting the old railway station and Masjid Negara. If you have a walkway brightly lit and busy, crime will be reduced.

TMM: There seems to be a fixation on constructing new buildings in the city despite low occupancy rates. What’s your take?

EO: There shouldn’t be anymore buildings in KL. Full stop! I think we have far too many buildings and it is repetitive — same type of malls, same type of office blocks. We need more open spaces, more football fields and basketball courts. Even big cities like New York and Hong Kong have open spaces. Why not KL? We don’t even have a rugby stadium or cricket oval in KL!

We don’t need to increase the quantity of people in KL. We need to increase the quality of life. Instead of tearing down old buildings for new skyscrapers, why don’t we build underground instead, with parks and gardens above to beautify the city. Recreational facilities will naturally keep youths off the streets. Families can spend quality time together.

TMM: Do you think the PM’s recent pledge to spend over RM1 billion to turn KL into a top-notch city will help?

EO: RM1 billion is not enough, but it is a good start. Najib has started the ball rolling, but we need more than that, for sure. We need to make KL into a topnotch city as it is still not onpar with other major cities in the world.

TMM: What are your views on Kampung Baru’s proposed development?

EO: Kampung Baru must be developed! Of course, with the consensus of the landowners as the development must benefit the landowners. It must be done by the government and not an individual company.

As far as I know, the people in Kampung Baru want development. During my time as mayor, folks in Kampung Baru were asking why there isn’t any development in the area. Even if we don’t develop all 250 acres, we can develop at least 50, and that would be good enough. We must remember there are many immigrants living in the area now as tenants. The matter must be handled wisely and there must be a proper strategy. I know what the strategy is, but I’m not going to tell you! (laughs)

TMM: You helped to build cities abroad. Who have you worked with?

EO: I was appointed by the government of Senegal to help build new townships. I am currently dealing with a government in the Middle East to help build new townships. It is still in the early stages, so I don’t want to dwell too much into it for now.

TMM: Has anyone in the country consulted your expertise?

EO: No comment. (smiles)

TMM: You mentioned a book earlier. Have you started writing?

EO: I am starting my memoirs. It’s in the early stages now and I hope to complete it in the next two years.

Read Elyas’ take on Malaysian sports