#people-centric

We need to switch from a technology-centric view of the world to a people-centric one. We should start with people’s abilities and create technology that enhances people’s capabilities: Why are we doing it backwards?

Oh, today was fantastic. Philosophy being my only class on Tuesdays and Thursdays is always a plus. We had another PRIDE club meeting today, and even though Max didn’t go, I did, and I sat with Alba and Xavier and Jade while we watched a 9-year-old video of a drag show the college put on then. 

That was great in its own right, but then after we ran out of time, the four of us got food and went back to Alba and Jade’s suite and just... chilled and ate food until I left at midnight because I still had (still have) homework to do. For the first time in a long time I didn’t feel like a burden around relatively new people.

Also Gina came to our room earlier to have a quiet place to study. Max was at a class, so Gina hid under their bed and for the longest time Max didn’t even notice until Gina threw a pen at them.

Also, I had another heart-to-heart with Sean. Those are always wonderful.

Should you keep track of the people who say you’re going to fail, who actively work against you, who troll your best work? Should you try to win over the haters and those that so cruelly root against you? I wonder if it makes more sense to spend as much (or even more) time with the fans and supporters and sneezers who work so hard to help you succeed. It seems to me that this is more productive,…

New Post has been published on http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2015/04/24/listen-to-rakyat-if-you-want-to-be-people-centric-suhakam-tells-govt/

Listen to rakyat if you want to be people-centric, Suhakam tells govt

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24, 2015:

If the Malaysian government is serious about its intention to be more people-centric, it has to start by listening to the people, says Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).

Its chairman Tan Sri Hasmy Agam said that unless the government started listening and taking into account what the people wanted before making a decision, it would find itself alone, with no followers around it.

“Leadership is difficult. You can lead authoritatively but if the people don’t follow you then you’ll be right in front alone. You look around and there’s no followers because people have reservations about what you want to do.

“The leadership must move in tandem with the people but leadership also requires you to bring people along with you. It’s a double-sided coin and you cannot go ahead and march on your own.”

He added that although a country could not purely be people-centred and run by non-governmental organisations, it could ensure partnership with the people by allowing the people to have a say and have their voices heard.

“Listen to these good and honest views from the people. If you say you are people centred, then listen to us and give us space. It is a challenge that Putrajaya has to take on board.”

Recently, amendments to Sedition Act 1948 and newly introduced Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota) were passed in Parliament despite strong objections from the public who feared that the two Acts would be used to oppress those who spoke out against the government.

Hasmy however noted that the country was progressing, although slower than it should be, and it was the responsibility of civil society organisations including Suhakam to push the government further.

New Post has been published on http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2014/06/03/make-penang-people-centric-city-dap-rep-tells-mppp/

Make Penang a people-centric city, DAP rep tells MPPP

GEORGE TOWN, June 3:

A state assemblywoman is urging the local municipal council (MPPP) to turn George Town into a more people-centric city rather than vehicle-friendly.

Pulau Tikus DAP representative Yap Soo Huey said she has drawn up a proposal on a city planning programme that would create more spaces for people’s mobility, community-based local businesses, amenities and facilities.

She proposed for Pulau Tikus to be made a pilot project for such people-friendly area that could be emulated for other areas.

“City planning should accommodate the needs of local community development and aspiration rather than to merely fit into ever growing number of vehicles.

“The council city planning should stop prioritising vehicles.

“Currently the people are lacking space to walk about in the city,” she said.

According to Yap, Penang has 1.5 million population but 2.5 million registered vehicles and Pulau Tikus is one of the most congested places in Penang.

Among her proposals to turn George Town into a people-friendly city was to upgrade infrastructure to meet operational needs of wet markets such as creating bays to pick up and drop off passengers and load and unload goods.

She called for more public infrastructure, facilities and amenities to be made accessible to everyone, especially people with special needs and urged the council to install pedestrian crossings based on needs of people and not at its discretion.

She emphasized that city planning should prioritise local community-based small businesses and enterprises, not just big shopping malls.

“What will happen to small businesses such as the local sundry shops where we normally pop in to get simple things such as batteries and other small items? Why go to big malls to get these items when they are available in such shops?

“They too need to earn a living,” she told a press conference at her service centre in Jalan Jones earlier today.

She proposed having more public educational facilities such as libraries and pockets of recreational spaces across the city.

Yap suggested that MPPP should engage local residents for their views before implementing a project plan in a particular area and not implement first then hear from the people.