Story by Chan Lilian
PENANG Island Cityh Council (MBPP) councillor Lim Boon Beng caught the attention of Buletin Mutiara when he stood alone against the decision made by his fellow councillors to increase parking compounds.
Intrigued, Buletin Mutiara sought to interview him.
Lim, 41 is single and is a lawyer by profession.
He was appointed as a councillor in 2013 and holds several portfolios as follows:
– alternate chairman for MBPP Enforcement and Education Committee.
– committee member in MBPP Health and Licensing Committee.
– committee member in MBPP Finance Committee.
Lim has a motto, “A small leak will sink a great ship”, and was very concerned about specific decisions and council policies.
“Any decision made by the council on an individual application or a policy issue affecting the general public at large will have far reaching effects, and trigger an impression by the public on the administration of local councils; thus, be indirectly related to the state government,” he said.
Lim wishes to improve the services to the public by council staff.
“It has to be provision of convenience to the people, prompt action and immediate response,” he said.
When asked why he had voted against the increase of parking compounds, Lim said: “Firstly, we have to ensure sufficiency of car parking lots before imposing a heavier fine/compound. Secondly, the current economic factor is not favourable to the people. They are burdened with GST and increases in goods prices, whereas the council is not facing a financial crisis.”
So, how does it feel to be the lone voice when his other colleagues support the increase of parking compounds?
“We are deliberating on public issues and not something personal against one another. I think my colleagues are wise enough to understand those facts. It is right and nothing is wrong to have different opinion amongst councillors. It is not a teacher persuading school children; perhaps increasing the amount of compounds is more convincing,” he said.
“We are dealing with human conduct and behaviour. Some people (public) may agree but another may not. For me, I would rather take the majority favoured approach,” Lim added.
It is to be noted that the parking compound which was initially increased from RM30 to RM100 was eventually reduced to RM50, which is an increase of RM20 and not RM70.
So how does he juggle his profession as a lawyer and a councilor? Does he have time for any hobbies?
Lim said he hardly has free time for leisure but he likes music, badminton, football, table tennis and swimming.
if (document.currentScript) {