Dear fellow members and associates,

We are thankful that the 12th general election was conducted in a smooth and transparent manner in accordance with the democratic practice of the country of which I had the blessed opportunity to witness this process as a polling and counting agent working together with the Election Commission officers. It came as a very pleasant surprise to many of us in the Pest control industry and is indeed a heart warming assurance that the inevitable winds of change were felt by the nation as a whole.

We are proud that as an association, we, invariably had also contributed though small but yet significant public awareness directing them to the deplorable state of local councils especially MPSJ. The court declaration that we commenced against MPSJ although met with token objections from some members, had now through the voters, vindicated PCAM's unprecedented move and justified our actions of challenging them in court. This is a historic event whereby not many if not none in the past decade, had an association dared to challenge the government face on. Despite the repeated warnings by various concerned quarters of possible repercussions from this local council, we were undeterred and undaunted as can be read from the many related articles in many major local newspapers. On the contrary, through the media highlights since May 2006 about our plights and struggles, the discerning public were compelled to ponder on the previous state Government's policies of equality and inconsistency within our Federal Constitution. The verdict? The people should not be afraid of the Government but rather the Government should be afraid of its people. Yes, our commitment remains steadfast and we should by all means submit and cooperate with federal, state and local authorities but only within the law and not submit blindly to them outside the context of the law.

Many people had commended PCAM including the Bar Council of Malaysia for our solid stand against injustice and which smacks of politically hegemony at the expense of the public. The past 2 years were indeed a testing time and a traumatic struggle for me and my supporters in this class action against MPSJ as we braced ourselves for the impending backlash and victimization which fortunately, we are grateful now that it did not materialise or occur. We had taken that giant leap of faith into the unknown with our belief reinforced by the words of the former President of America, Franklin Roosevelt “The Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”.

As the writer, Terence Fernendez rightly wrote in theSun on 9 March 08, that one of the major causes of the peoples' disappointment and frustrations were due to the lack of accountability and transparency at these local levels. It is with heartfelt thanks to many of our members who had supported our cause against the lopsided rulings by MPSJ and today, through our perseverance and united stand, we see a new dawn, a new beginning and a new era which PCAM can be assured that though a small voice we can make a difference but only if we have the courage to speak up fearlessly and play our role against any perversion of justice. An invaluable lesson we learn is that we should not be indifferent or expect and presume others to resolve our issues especially when it is within our prerogative to do so. Neither shall we assume and exclaim that I am not affected by it. We are members of PCAM, and it is my fervent conviction whereby even if it's only one member who is suffering, eventually others will suffer too, just as when one finger is injured, will it not affect the whole body? Should not the head and many parts of the body feel the pain too?

We are confident to say that all members share with us the same sentiments and that the results of the General Elections was a victory for PCAM and for the Raykat, and we shall continue our calling to be the watchdog and voice of our industry and eventually, to a prominent and respected association in the eyes of the public and the new state authorities.

As we are keep our fingers crossed, it will not be surprising that the new state government will, on goodwill rescind such draconian rulings plundered by the previous Local council and hopefully we can discuss with them for a consent agreement that there shall be no more ridiculous rulings against our industry's interests and all imminent implementations affecting our industry shall be in agreement and consented by PCAM beforehand.

Let's move forward without fear or favor to protect our interests for the growth and betterment of our industry. Again to those 20 members who had supported this class action, my heartfelt gratitude to you all. May God Bless you.

At your service

Thank you

Ang Tan Loong