Residents rap rep over Bangi cinema objection

PETALING JAYA: Bangi residents and their representative have clashed on the need to have a cinema in their constituency.

The residents said PAS assemblyman Dr Shafie Abu Bakar should show proof to back his statement that they don’t want a cinema.

“It’s typical of an assemblyman to push his own opinion. If that is really the people’s opinion, where is the proof that they were polled?” said Selangor Gerakan Youth deputy secretary-general Stephen Doss.

Doss added that the state government should not interfere as the cinema was a private initiative.

“The developers must have done their market research and are confident that the residents want a cinema.

“Let market forces decide. If people really don’t want it, it will fail and close down anyway,” he said.

Dr Shafie had earlier claimed that it was his constituents and not PAS that had objected to a cinema in his constituency.

He said the constituents had been asking for a convention centre for more than three years and said a cinema was not in line with Islamic values and would lead to vice activities.

Kampung Aman village chief Yong Hok Chai said cinemas were preferable over some other forms of entertainment like karaoke lounges.

“I don’t think the assemblyman’s statement reflects the general consensus. I know my village residents were not asked whether they wanted a cinema,” he added.

Research assistant Koh Suet Ne, 24, said she often goes to the movies after work and does not mind travelling a bit to go to a better cinema.

“There’s a cinema in Kajang, but no one really wants to go there as the bigger ones in Cheras Jusco Selatan and Mid Valley are nicer.

“However, if there is a good quality cinema in Bangi, I’d definitely prefer it as it is much closer,” said Koh.

Universiti Tenaga Nasional student Colin Heng, 23, said it was inconvenient for him to travel out of Bangi just for a movie.

“I usually go to the movies twice a month, either alone or with my girlfriend. However, the cinema is very far and there is always a traffic jam when I drive through Kajang town.

“If there is one closer to my university, I’d probably go more often,” he said.