SSTF's Resolution: Annotated

Folks! Here's the SSTF's resolution which was named Resolution 2 with my comments. (It's called Resolution 2 even though it was submitted earlier than Resolution 1 endorsed by SRA Committee).

Recognising that:

1. The security situation of the Seputeh area has deteriorated in the past year making it necessary for a community self-help programme to be instituted;

2. A group of concerned SRA members have taken the initiative to form a Seputeh Security Task Force (SSTF) at a public meeting on April 7, 2008, to lead such a community self-help programme;

3. Initial studies by SSTF have indicated a majority of Seputeh residents do not support Rukun Tetangga patrols;

4. While Neighbourhood Watch can be implemented, there is no measurable level of acceptance within the community yet;

5. SSTF surveys have clearly obtained the support of 45% of households in Seputeh based on the proposed subscription rates;

6. With the subscriptions collected based on the 45% of households, SSTF is confident of mounting a private security scheme working in close collaboration with Brickfields’ police;

7. Such a private security scheme can also be further augmented by those residents who believe in the Neighbourhood Watch concept and who may want to organise a voluntary Neighbourhood Watch group; to embrace those who want and believe in Neighbourhood Watch

8. Such a scheme needs to be run by a legally-constituted body – the most appropriate of which is SRA for Seputeh residents – to be able to open bank accounts and enter into service agreements; a responsibility of the RA

9. Security is a stated objective of the SRA under Clause 4.3 on safeguarding property and security of members; any committee must abide by Clause 4.3

10. The SRA is duty-bound under Clause 4.4 to resolve problems faced by SRA members AND the community at large; embrace all, boleh juga, Constitution allows it under Clause 4.4 e.g. an SRA lantern festival surely cannot exclude children of non-members :)


Considering that:

11. The past SRA Committee:

a. has decided against such a private security scheme in the belief that either a Rukun Tetangga Scheme or a Neighbourhood Watch would be a better alternative; opinion respected but disagreed with

b. had initially agreed on May 7, 2008, to endorse SSTF as a sub-committee to run such a security scheme but rescinded its initial agreement for the aforesaid and other reasons in on Aug 17, 2008; "nuff said about SRA Committee's decision-making process and influencers within"

and,

c. had instead advised SSTF to form a Company Limited By Guarantee to run such a security scheme; Sept 7 Japan Club meeting of residents re-affirmed "tak boleh"


Further Considering that:

12. The SSTF, having considered all options, recommended that any security scheme for residents should rightly be under the auspices of the Residents’ Association (RA) as proven by the fact that most security schemes in Klang Valley are supported by the RAs;

13. A residents meeting held on Sept 7, 2008, at the Japan Club attended by over 100 persons has also evaluated these options and endorsed the recommendation of the SSTF that the security scheme should be “parked” under SRA;

14. This same residents meeting has concluded that a firm resolution be put to the SRA to facilitate such a security scheme as envisioned by the SSTF;


And,

Bearing in Mind that:

15. The past SRA Committee had concerns over:

a. depleting existing SRA funds for running such a security scheme; won't touch it, promise!

b. involvement of non-SRA members; embrace all, apa susah?, check Clause 4.4

and,

c. having to supervise and operate any such private security scheme and deal with security service providers, given its already heavy workload; Committee will be spared extra security workload, kita buat semua itu kerja



We, the under-signed members of the SSTF, request the Annual General Meeting – being the highest decision-making body of the SRA – deliberate and pass the following resolution pursuant to Clause 8 of the SRA Constitution:


This Annual General Meeting on December 19th, 2008, held at Japan Club premises RESOLVES THAT:

1. The SRA endorses the formation of the Seputeh Security Task Force (SSTF) with the status of a sub-committee and with its initial members drawn from the current proposers and seconders of this resolution for the specific purpose of managing and regulating security matters, including but not limited to providing, sourcing and operating security services for Seputeh residents; enabling clause

2. The SSTF, being formally endorsed as a sub-committee of the SRA, will choose two representatives to sit on the SRA Committee as ex-officio members with the expressed portfolio of overseeing security matters; still report to committee -- still in charge, no one wants to usurp

3. The SRA facilitates the SSTF to set up a bank account in the name of “Seputeh Security Fund” or any variation of such name as the SSTF’s chosen banker may require, including but not limited to endorsing any banking form, note or document to enable the account to be operational within 30 days from the date of this AGM; operational necessity

4. The “Seputeh Security Fund” bank account, or any such name as the SSTF banker may stipulate, shall be operated by the SSTF which shall nominate five (5) signatories on a signature condition that cheques and all banking documents or notes be endorsed by ANY three (3) of the five (5) signatories; ensures total accountability and transparency

Provided always that:

5. The security scheme shall be the responsibility of the SSTF which shall absolve the SRA Committee of any responsibility in running such a security scheme nor any direct involvement in its operations; SSTF takes the responsibility, committee can still be boss yet blameless

6. Existing SRA funds will not be drawn upon for the use of the security scheme; as promised

7. The SRA has obligations only to its members and expressly has no obligation whatsoever to non-members, including those who opt to subscribe to any such security scheme; reassuring clause

8. The SSTF maintains and operates the Seputeh Security Fund solely for the purpose of running the security scheme and matters directly or indirectly related to security; defining use of fund and scope of work

and,

9. Copies of the monthly bank statements of the Seputeh Security Fund account be forwarded to the SRA Committee and the account be independently audited. ensures good governance

So why this refusal to accept resolution and going to great lengths to draw up a "rival" resolution for the first time in 10-year history? Remember, we all have a common objective -- ensuring better security for all.

Final analysis: Let's see what's done in the coming year and whether all Orang Seputeh benefit.

Best regards
Orang Seputeh