Defining Public Needs in Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Sepang, Malaysia

Defining public needs is hugely important to the concept of sustainable development and it has been at the core of the concept from the very beginning. this study was undertaken in order to explore the sustainable development needs of the public and governors, to provide greater understanding of the discrepancies within both parties’ needs and to propose a mechanism to define important sustainable development needs in sepang, selangor,malaysia. a qualitative investigation was conducted through the use of , in-depth interviews and group discussions were held with the public and the governors to represent their personal and that of the community views they represented. both parties exhibited five common values, namely identity, safety, freedom, environment and development. both parties also highlighted six fundamental needs according to the max-neef list, i.e. subsistence, protection, participation, creation, identity and freedom. only the public participants highlighted the need of affection. despite similarities in terms of needs, the findings revealed discrepancies in values and perspectives. this study implies that it is important for the governors to comprehend and acknowledge local public values because these needs conform to values and normativity. this study suggests governors should evaluate the relevancy of development plans towards present being and tailor the needs of the development to local traditions, local nature and existing structures. in conclusion, the governors should decide on needs that resemble the aspirations of the local people within the existing systems they are living in and supported by.