Big plans for growing city

New homes: Civil servants admiring a model of Perumahan Penjawat Awam 1Malaysia (PPA1M). —filepic

SINCE being appointed Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) president in August 2012, Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat has had the enviable task of helming one of Malaysia’s newest and arguably, most famous city. 

PPj was established to manage and administer the Federal Territory of Putrajaya, and its role includes performing all the functions of a local government, as well as to promote, facilitate and undertake commercial, infrastructure, residential, economic and social development for the city.

Aseh fondly recounts his meeting with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the key architect in Putrajaya’s development, before commencing his duties as PPj president. 

Dr Mahathir highlighted several issues including that the 4.2km-long Persiaran Putrajaya which had been intended to be the pulse of activity of the city had thus far not lived up to its potential.

The FIA Formula E Championship racing series in Putrajaya last year. - filepic

The former prime minister also pointed out that The Cruise Tasik (Lake Cruise) service route was not encircling the Core Island area of the city as originally promised, and there was a lack of emphasis on the cleanliness and aesthetic aspects of the city in line with its status as the administrative centre of the Federal Government.

Aseh began his tenure at PPj by changing the corporate culture and systems that were in place at the time and instilling a business-oriented work ethic which was integral to realising PPj’s vision for Putrajaya as a well-managed, vibrant city worthy of world-class events and tourism ventures. 

Some of his earliest directives were to establish and promote sports, entertainment, and F&B outlets throughout Putrajaya, as well as to encourage national and international event organisers to bring their events to the city — they were even offered the opportunity to use the Dataran Putrajaya area for free, in collaboration with PPj.

The Lake Cruise service route was improved to showcase the Core Island by deepening the shallow areas of the Putrajaya Lake, while PPj’s landscape and public utilities maintenance contractors were briefed on the standards and requirements expected in the upkeep of Putrajaya.

Aseh stresses that PPj remains focused on its vision: to plan, manage and develop Putrajaya in an effective and efficient manner via the right policies and framework for development, constructive engagement and alliances with its stakeholders and partners, building a high-performance, efficient and customer-friendly organisation, providing world-class public amenities and facilities, cultivating a conducive environment for thriving commercial activities, and practising good governance and integrity.

Aseh attributes the success of Putrajaya’s revitalisation so far to the synergy and cooperation within the workforce at PPj as well as with external parties, including its efforts to reduce bureaucracy and streamline regulations which hinder the efficient organising of events. 

Over the waters: Putrajaya's Lake Cruise is a great way for locals and tourists to view the city's famous landmarks. - filepic

In addition, PPj’s skilled and experienced staff, along with the city’s existing infrastructure and architecture, and the country’s political stability have all been factors towards putting Putrajaya on the map.

PPj seems to be on the right track in terms of attracting international attention to Putrajaya, In 2014, the city was the venue for international events such as Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, Red Bull Air Race World Championship, Putrajaya International Islamic Arts and Culture Festival (PIIACUF), and Putrajaya Flower and Garden Festival which has also has been upgraded as Royal Floria (Floria DiRaja Putrajaya).

The most futuristic event in 2014 for Putrajaya is Round 2 of the FIA Formula E Championship, the world’s first fully electric racing series. 

At 2.5km and featuring 12 turns, the street circuit was located just south of the Perdana Putra building which houses the Prime Minister’s Office. 

The circuit was put together by the FIA, Formula E and local promoter Formula E Malaysia (FEM).

The boss: Since being appointed PPj president in August 2012, Aseh has had the enviable position of helming one of Malaysia’s newest and, arguably, most famous cities.

To date, development of government buildings in the city is close to completion at 95%, while commercial development is robust and is currently 35% completed. 

Residential developments are also a key focus area, with the 1Malaysia Civil Servants’ Housing (PPA1M) which will make available for sale 10,000 units for civil servants working in Putrajaya. 

Looking to the future, PPj aims to grow Putrajaya’s population and position it internationally through the planning of commercial and mixed developments, the hosting of international events, and by establishing a benchmark for city planning and governance to be emulated by other nations. - The Star