COMMENT | Even before the town hall meeting started, there were ominous signs that the entire course of events may eventually be yet another episode of the many dramas played out by politicians, their masters and their minnows. It would not take a crystal ball or a clairvoyant to foresee the outcome. The actions (and inactions) of a few in officialdom were so blatant that insincerity seemed obvious.

The powers-that-be will find it an uphill task to convince the 100-odd attendees that the event was conducted in accordance with Queensbury Rules and that it would be improper to feel otherwise.

The town hall meeting yesterday chaired by Selangor executive committee member Hee Loy Sian was to hear objections on a proposal to degazette about 971ha (or 941ha) of forest reserve for mixed development.

The two-page invitation to NGOs was a forerunner to the series of gaffes that ensued, which many believe were deliberately done. The acreage differed in the two pages and calling it a typo in such an important document would have to be taken with a pinch of salt.

A meeting to hear objections from individuals had been scheduled for Monday, but...