Effectiveness of the
local institute
in its own area
by Fong Ying Leong president
Malaysian Institute of Architects
IN October 1969 the Malaysian Insti- tute of Architects organized a sym- posium for its members to discuss in advance topics that were expected to be raised at the Third Asian Regional Conference.
At this closed-door symposium members of the Malaysian Institute made a frank re-appraisal and re-assess- ment of the architectural profession in relation to its local background.
The basic topic of professionalism was discussed in its many aspects. One of the vital questions raised was the validity of the traditional practice of the profession as inherited from the RIBA, not only in relation to the very different political-socio-economic en- vironment of an independent develop ing Asian nation, but also in relation to present day attitudes of the busi- ness and industrial world.
Arising from grieving members' bitter and frustrating experience, very strong views were expressed on the inappropriateness and ineffectiveness of existing Codes of Conduct and Scale of Fees which were rather rigid and unrealistic.
The symposium eventually and in- evitably discussed proposals to remedy the situation and the role that the institute could play in bringing about desirable changes and improvements.
It was pointed out that members of the institute comprised only slightly more than half the number of people registered with the Board of Archi- tects. The effectiveness of the institute could certainly be improved by in- creasing not only the membership
Far East BUILDER, January 1970
numbers but also the responsiveness and active participation of members.
General opinion was that the situa- tion was fairly typical and common for organizations of this kind where most of the onerous work and respon- sibilities were always borne by the same hardcore of office bearers at great personal sacrifice of time as well as expense; where difficulties were always met in making up quorums for meetings and attendance at other functions.
Some of the reasons for this un- desirable state of affairs were ascribed to lack of communication within the institute and misunderstanding or rather non-understanding of the bene- fits as well as the obligations of being members of a professional institute.
On the credit side, the Malaysian institute has certainly made a strong impact on its community. It initiated and helped the government to draw up the new Architects Act of 1967 which is on the way to being implemented. In this Act, statutory reference to the RIBA has been eliminated. Instead, eligibility for registration will be based on institute membership or eligibility for institute membership.
The institute is represented on the (registration) Board of Architects, vari- ous Boards of Governors, Boards of Trustees, other government commit- tees and the like whose functions and scope affect or concern the architec- tural profession.
Evidence of the esteem or recog- nition which the public and the government now accord the institute is
CAA Asian Conference
in the increasing number of public or government boards of committees which the institute is invited to serve
on.
The institute is co-ordinating the drafting of model building by-laws with a view to harmonizing building regulations throughout the country. More and more reference is being made to the institute by the public as well as the Board of Architects in cases of disputes requiring arbitration.
The general conclusion was that the Malaysian institute is effective enough in its own area especially in public spheres where its voice is being heeded with respect. However it was felt that this effectiveness could be increased dramatically if the other half of the profession could be brought in as active members of the institute, and if the present membership could be suitably motivated to become more active and enthusiastic.
The problem seems to be largely one involving the human factor. A secondary, but no less important problem is the smallness of member- ship, as well as income, causing the institute to be less then effective in some ways e.g. the lack of permanent institute premises including centralized library and reference facilities, inef- ficiency of part time secretarial and administrative machinery, and also the communication vacuum resulting from voluntary and intermittent publishing services.
Relationship of local institute to CAA and its Asian Regional Group
At the same October symposium members of the Malaysian institute were briefed in detail on the back- ground and activities of the CAA by several members who had previously attended CAA conferences or were more familiar with CAA activities and information.
Note was taken of the rapidly re- ducing financial resources of the CAA, and the difficulties that some member countries, for various reasons, are ex- pected to face in a call for increased. contributions. There was concern that the effectiveness of the CAA may be reduced.
As it was, Malaysia (a small insti- tute) had to rely on its delegates con- tributing personally towards the cost of attending conferences. Fortunately this system has been maintained with the help of foreign exchange facilities. Educational and professional stand-
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