11.12.92
Disk 39

Foreign Architect must support Malaysia Tropical Hardwood policy

During a recent Trade Mission overseas, our Minister of Primary industries, YB Datuk Dr. Lim Keng Yaik and his delegates were confused by some NGO’s in Europe concerning Malaysia’s continuing “to deplete” our tropical rainforest. The Malaysian mission were able to rebut all the allegations but were caught off guard and had no answer to a claim that “PAM being a member of UIA (Union of International Architects), which is opposed to the continuing exploitation of the Tropical Rainforest, had requested all member countries to resist specifying tropical hardwood for use”. This volley was fixed by Mr. Nils Carlson present at the conference in his capacity as a representative of the Association of Swedish Architects. Carlson is also the current Secretary General of UIA. He further claimed that Malaysia’s active participation in UIA was through a very senior member of PAM. The anger, frustration and embarrassment to our Minister and delegation was inevitable. PAM was asked to explained.

Letters to UIA

Since then PAM had written to the following to seek clarification:-

• The President of UIA, Mr. Olufemi Majekodunmi,
• Immediate Past President of UIA, Mr. Rod Hackney;
• Secretary General of UIA, Mr. Nils Carlson;
• Vice President Region IV-Mr. Chia Kok Leong;
• other members of the Bureau UIA; member countries and to the
• Senior PAM member named.
• Some replies were positive and direct to our query. Others indirect and evasive.
• All replies have been forwarded to the Ministry.

Press Release

On ??/??/????, a Press Conference was held to explain and clarify the inaccuracy of the allegation. The following was the press release.:

 

“……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………”

 

Foreign Architects

All PAM members have since been asked to be vigilante and on guard against prevalent attitude of anti-tropical hardwood among foreign countries. It may not be a bad idea that all foreign architects on JV projects be asked to sign a declaration of support for “Malaysia’s continued exploitation of our natural forest for sustainable use and development”. FA cannot be seeking opportunities here without supporting our economic policies, in this respect the first such architect ought to be Ceaser Pelli of USA, K. Kurokawa of Japan, Lobb of United Kingdom and others. Those not wishing to would have their names noted and for the various Government agencies to take appropriate actions. This is where the Ministries of Primary Industry, Public Works and Immigration must work closely with PAM and its members. It is simply this:
“To enjoy economic benefits in Malaysia you must subscribe to and support
the sustainability of our economic! Failing that you are not welcome”.

 

ARCASIA

At the recent Council Meeting of Arcasia in Lahore, Pakistan, PAM sought the Council’s support for our Government’s tropical hardwood policies and all delegates at the meeting were unanimous in their response to support Malaysia. We are thankful to all the countries present for their support. This demonstration of solidarity among Asian Architects was most encouraging and augers well for future Asian architectural co-operation and inter-dependency.

The below resolution was passed by Arcasia Council:

 

“………………………………………………………………………………………..
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The second issue of ARCASIA (the publication of Arcasia) carried the following articles in support of Malaysia’s tropical hardwood policy “___________”

The responsibility click here is now upon all Malaysian architects to support our nation’s policy towards our natural timber resources. To us it was and still is God’s gift to all Malaysians. It is there for us to enjoy and treasure. To support and sustain this asset, architects ought to use more local timber in support of our timber industry. Existing policies for forestry management and logging policies are sound. Like all sound policies it does not also mean that there is no abuse. The relevant authorities should be more stringent in policing logging activites to ensure the continued sustainability of our jungle for future harvestation. One only has to look at the logging activities of the United States. Where most of their original forest are gone, and the virtual devastation and destruction of the Kauri forests in New Zealand. There are many more such examples in Europe. Malaysia will never and must not follow these sad and regretful examples. Not everything from the West is always good or correct.

The UBBL was prepared many years ago, modelled on overseas examples – during the height and heat of the building boom in the 60’s. On careful examination it is quite apparent that the authors of the UBBL, had unconsciously contributed to the ‘fall-out of favour’ and prejudice towards the continuing use of timber in the building industry. The perpetrators’ ignorance about timber may be excusable. The trend was towards new materials based on recent technology. Plastic was vogue, other by-products of non-recyclable materials were hailed as ‘innovation and modern’. In 30 years the world has gone a complete cycle. The ‘now-thing’ is conservation, recycling, sustainability, environmental friendly, no CFCs, etc.

When the UBBL was finally gazetted in _____ an official of the Malaysian Timber Industry was quoted as saying “this spells the death knell of timber houses”. His forecast has some ominous truth in it. Not only are we talking about ‘timber houses’ but also about the possible ‘death’ of our timber industry if the West have it their way.

Local authorities and the Fire Department both under the Ministry of Local Government and Housing should consider the appropriateness of existing conditions in the UBBL and in their own ‘by-laws’ which may be detrimental to and discourage theuse of our natural timber. Local authorities and the Fire Department should be more aware of these pitfalls. They ought to be more sympathetic, be more enlightening towards and to provide encouragement for Architects and Engineers to use more timber in their designs. Low-cost dwellings instead of using RC and BAP (Brick and Plaster) should explore the use of more timber to reflect a more Malaysian identity and culture.

The anti-tropical hardwood campaign cannot be taken lightly, It is not finished.

Therefore it is the moral duty of all Malaysian Architects to support our national timber policy. PAM has requested this issue to be debated at the next General Assembly of UIA in Chicago in June 1993, when we will need all the support we can muster for Malaysia. We will also need the support of our Government for us to succeed.