System dysfunction continues to unfold again

Where Are The Books

There are no books at all; not even a bookshelf, nor any table or chair although it is supposed to be a library.

For over two years, at least three village libraries in Perak have been in this situation, and one of them is due to be demolished with no plans to replace it.

The village library at Parit, dormant for two years after it was built, received a fresh coat of paint and new window grilles. However, three months later, there is still no sign of library staff or books.

"I was told it was because they didn’t have a budget for it, but that doesn’t make sense," said Fatimah Tun Zaharah, a mother of three who operates a foodstall near the library.

"Why would they build a library but not have money to put books in it?"

It was the same story at a library at Tapah Road, where weeds growing "taller than a man". The building was completed over two years ago but never had any books, said housewife Wong Wai Kit, 58.

The village library in Slim River was abandoned and can scarcely be recognised, with its signboard torn down, the walls scrawled with graffiti and the floor littered with broken window panes. "It’s a waste of money," said Mr. Yap, a 56-year-old businessman living nearby.

The village library in Kampung Rungkup Kecil was also a topic of discussion at the State Assembly, with some representatives imploring the Perak State Library Corporation to resolve its problems. Rungkup state assemblyman Sha’arani Mohamad said for the past three years, students could use the library only sporadically, as its former landowner was dissatisfied with the compensation received for the land and would occasionally lock its doors. Perak State Library Corporation director Mohammad Nazari Abdul Hamid denied the library in Kampung Rungkup Kecil was being locked by the former landowner.

Mohammad Nazari also confirmed that the Slim River library would be demolished, adding he was seeking RM1.5 million under the Ninth Malaysia Plan to build a town library at a better location in Slim River. As for the two libraries in Parit and Tapah Road, he said the delays were not the corporation’s fault as the buildings were unfit for occupation, with leaks and lacking fences or grilles. "We don’t have a budget for repairs," he said. "Once we move in, we cannot ask the land office to fix the place."

Can the Ministers and State Ministers comment on such shitty issues? Is this the way to waste public funds; building so many libraries, and then refusing to operate it on the pretext or excuse that the building is unfit? If unfit, why was Certificate of Fitness (CF) issued by the district office? If there is no funds for maintenance, repair and upkeep of these premises, why built the libraries in the first place?

And, the ministries are planning to seek more millions of dollars under the 9th Malayasia Plan to built new libraries instead of repairing the old ones? Is this Malaysian management competence? Is this the competencies of our officers? Oh my God, please save us from the hands of the devils!!!!