Recent feedback on the tightening of condominium management standards raises concerns for both management councils and managing agents.

First, we must not forget that subsidiary proprietors (SPs) serving a management council are all volunteers and are not paid.

More often than not, issues that crop up have to do with the unhappiness of residents over estate issues and their not being able to get what they want.

The management council and managing agents are the ones who have to resolve the disputes, and many times, residents are ignorant of the law and think they can do anything just because they are the owners.

We must not forget that it is the SPs or their proxies who vote for the members of the management council to represent them in looking after the maintenance of the estate.

Those who do not even bother to turn up for the annual general meeting (AGM) have themselves to blame, as they lose the chance to cast a vote and are unable to raise any issues troubling them.

The Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act (BMSMA) and having annual audited accounts submitted to the Building and Construction Authority and forwarded to all SPs before the AGM should suffice.

The BMSMA allows for redress by any complainant to either vote the council out or officially go for a hearing at the Strata Titles Boards.

Also, office bearers such as the chairman, secretary and treasurer cannot resign abruptly by law and, hence, they will still be responsible and accountable.

However, there are management councils that will leave it entirely to managing agents to manage the estate. These councils play a dormant role.

Therefore, the onus is on residents to vote those they think are dependable and sincerely honest in managing the estate without any personal agenda or interest.

Vote the right management council that not only maintains the estate well but also manages the managing agent in ensuring that all expenses are prudently dispensed.

Willie Thia Kok Leong