ULAB 3162 ENGLISH FOR PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES

WRITE UP OF NEGOTIATIONS

Representatives of government: Chau Chok Yoa, Wong Soon Yaw, Chan Zhou Hai

Objective of negotiation:

The objective of this negotiation is to discuss and make an agreement between the

government and the squatters regarding the actions to move the squatters to the new

designated flat. The government hope the squatters can move out from the government

land so that the construction project of the sport complex can start on time without delay.

Proposal presented by the government:

The government has proposed some offers to the squatters. This included RM 30,000

cash compensation for each household or a unit of new designated flat on the outskirts of

the city. The squatters can use the cash compensation as deposit to buy a new house

wherever they want. Also, they can rent a house wherever they prefer and use the cash

compensation to improve their lives. For squatters who have decided to move into the

new flat, they do not need to worry about the accommodation problem.

Proposal presented by the squatters:

The squatters have proposed to the government to stop the sports complex construction

project in the land they are living now and find another land which is more suitable to

build the sport complex so that they can continue to stay and do not need to move out

from the land which they have been lived for generations. If they move out from the land

they are staying now, their children would not be able to go to the schools they are going

now and the workers have to travel very far in order to go for work.

Counter proposal:

The government has counter proposed to the squatters a free service of shuttle bus to and

fro certain destinations such as schools, factory and city. This free shuttle bus service was

offered so that the children can go to the schools they are going now and the workers do

not need to worry about the transportation problems to go for work.

Agreement reached:

The squatters have agreed to move out from the government land within six months with

several conditions. Some of the squatters will choose RM 35,000 as their compensation

while some of the squatters will move into the new flat. Whereas the government can

proceed to the construction project to build a sports complex for the use and benefits of

the community in the surrounding area. To overcome the difficulties faced by the

squatters, the government is willing to offer a better compensation that come along with

extra benefits.

Actions to be taken:

The squatters move out from the government land about six months from now.

Government will ask legal team to help in preparing the document needed for the

squatters to sign on the agreement. Government also top up the offer of allowance to

RM35, 000 or a unit in flat. Besides that, Government also provides the shuttle bus for

their daily life and the free transportation when the squatters move their furniture to the

new housing area. Government also provides some basic facilities like temple, mosque,

and medical center for the ease of the squatters.

Evaluation of the decisions made:

The negotiation can be considered quite productive as both side, government and

squatters were willing to listen to each other. The government’s job is to serve for all

citizen in Malaysia, including the squatters. Only by satisfying the squatters while

keeping the construction of sports complex going smoothly, the negotiation can be

considered successful for the government. Hence, at the beginning of the negotiation, the

government has shown their intention to provide better compensation and assistance to

help the residents involved. In the meantime, the squatters insisted that the government

should stop the construction as it would cause major impact to their life. However,

knowing that they are actually breaking the law by occupying the land illegally, the

squatters soon softened their attitude when the government showed their kindness by

offering better compensation with extra benefits. The bargaining progressed well as the

government provided solutions to the difficulties voiced by the squatters. In general, the

negotiation can be considered a win-win situation for both side. The squatters are able to

receive an acceptable compensation and the government is able to start the construction

on time.