A DAP MP has questioned PAS’ silence on MCA president Wee Ka Siong’s call for the government to reinstate local election in Kuala Lumpur. Lim Lip Eng stated that this stands in stark contrast to PAS’ previous vocal opposition to a similar proposal from DAP just months ago.
Recently, a DAP MP was ANGRY because PAS did not react to MCA's proposal of restoring Local Council(Government) Elections, as PAS did when DAP proposed the same for KL. Is this LAME or what?
Remember, the Pakatan Rakyat (DAP,PKR and PAS) when in Opposition at the Federal Level were all for Local Council Elections especially in the State of Selangor and Penang - but the BIG HURDLE then was a Federal Law, that had to be repealed/amended to allow for democratic elections at the Local Council level.
After GE14, the governments then at least started studies...work towards the restoration of Local Council elections - but it was delayed and delayed - One wonders whether they were serious or not..
However, after GE15 which saw PM Anwar Ibrahim's PH-led Government coming into power - everything about Local Council Elections stopped - the position now seems to be NO Local Council Elections - maintain the status quo, and allow State/Federal government to place their 'political appointees', rather than having a people elected representative, as Councillors (or 'wakil rakyat' in the respective Local Councils.
Based on feedback, reviving local government elections is not a priority for the people at the moment, said Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming. Therefore, he said his ministry is prioritising the people’s livelihood and everyday issues, despite knowing that the “third vote” - after federal and state elections - is part of the democratic process. “We understand that local government elections are a reflection of democracy. But there are priorities. “The most important thing for me now is to revive the economy. We have to also ensure the roads are level, street lights are bright, toilets are clean and drains are unblocked. - Malaysiakini, 26/1/2023
## Now, the Federal Minister really has NO POWER over the individual Local Councils/Government. He can just express his opinion - and not bring about any changes. There was in the past a 'dress-code' issue because of some Local Government law - The Minister said it was settled - but really was the said 'bad' law repealed or amended so that the issue does not arise again? I do not think so..unless the Minister can show proof.
### Likewise, the issue of roads(other that State or Federal Roads), street lights, toilets, drains within the Local Council area is all within the jurisdiction of the Local Government - not the Federal Minister. If Federal Government forks out money, then Local Council may accept and do something. That is all.
Now, our Local Government/Councils act like State Legislative Assemblies or Parliament - they make laws, enforce laws, and govern their area. The difference is that there is ZERO Opposition, and even though the law says the proceedings be open to the public - the Council decided to close it, and worse there is also NO Hansard(or minutes of the proceedings) - So, No check and balance, no transparency or accountability.
23 Meetings of local authority to be public [LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1976
All meetings of the local authority shall be open to the public and to representatives of the Press unless such Committee by resolution otherwise decides.
END RESULT - we do not know the issues discussed(not discussed), the decisions made, how money has been spend, etc - MEDIA too is unable to report on this.
Minister NGA could have asked for meetings to be OPEN to the Public, for Publicly Available Minutes, For Disclosure of Accounts - Income and Expenditure, Etc - even that he did not do - he seems to be more concerned with toilets, drains, etc.. As a Federal Minister, he would reasonably have greater influence over Federal Territories..DBKL, etc
Our parking fees or house/building rates go UP or DOWN because of Local Council decisions - not State Government or Federal Government. Local Council/Government is VERY RICH and rules over their AREA. New issue 'MCA has come out strongly against an alleged suggestion to remove the Chinese characters for Petaling Street from signboards in the capital city.' - well, this is again a decision of the Local Government?
We really NEED to Restore LOCAL COUNCIL Elections - The right to VOTE should be given to ALL who live and work within the Jurisdiction of the Local Council - not just those who own buildings/homes and pay rates. Constituencies could be drawn up to ensure proper representation. If needed, State or Federal Government could be allocated 2 seats so that their interest be represented.
NOW, even the MPs and ADUNs of Constituencies within the jurisdiction of Local Councils are excluded. Should they, the true elected representatives be accorded the right of attendance and the right to be heard at Local Council meetings - but maybe NO Right to VOTE?
DAP has changed, after the Anthony Loke faction ousted the Lim faction before GE15 - and no more is DAP pushing for democratic Local Council elections. After GE14, the then PH government at least said that they are working towards Local Council Elections within 3 years(?), and a similar position taken by the PN government.
I think that DAP's Lim Lip Eng should have been happy that PAS chose to be 'silent' when MCA called for Local Council elections. This is positive, for PAS too may be re-considering their position on Local Council elections. It was wrong to EGG PAS to oppose calls for Local Council elections..in my opinion. What is the position of DAP, Amanah, MUDA, BERSATU, PKR,...on Local Council Elections?
BUT now, it is back to NO Local Government/Council Elections ...'for now'. The Federal law blocking Local Council elections could have been amended to give respective States the power to decide whether they will have Local Council Elections or not...
Local Council has much POWER to decide on things that affect OUR lives within the jurisdiction of the Council. If we are unhappy with a Local Council decision, we do not have the right of appeal to the State or Federal Government - thus, we have to take the matter to the COURTS. What is a problem now is the LACK of transparency of the laws of the Local Council - even their websites do not, in most cases, lay out the full laws passed and applicable by the Local Council.
If Anwar Ibrahim's government has no desire to restore Local Council Elections - then, should they not consider ABOLISHING LOCAL GOVERNMENT, and transferring its powers to the State or Federal Government, who are rightly composed by democratically elected peoples' representatives? Alternatively, allow the people to democratically elect peoples' representatives into LOCAL GOVERNMENT - end the practice of political appointees.
see also:
Vote for them who will restore Local Government Elections immediately . Nga Kor Ming, when will the Federal law be amended to allow States to decide whether to have Local Council elections or not?
No money is LAME excuse for not having Local Council/Government Elections - OR is the real reason that State/Federal government want to continue having 'dictatorial' like control of Local Government?
Nga Kor Ming, a powerless Minister with no real power to ensure Local Government(Local Council) do as he says but he can bring back Local Council Elections or keep the political appointee system?
ODD that Johor State government decides on allowance increase of Local Government Councillors? Local Council Elections NOW please?
Even Thailand have local council (local government) elections. Shame on you, Malaysia.
DEMOCRACY - feared by UMNO-BN and Opposition? Restore democracy at all levels to the Rakyat?
Will Sabin Samirah be choice of the people of Kota Kinabalu if there was elections to be the MAYOR of Kota Kinabalu?
GE15 - Vote those who will restore Local Government/Council elections. And let us choose our Taman/kampung leaders - End POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS, Restore Democracy
Mayor Rajendran Anthony vs Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow - Who decides whether 'tax' imposed on hotels by Penang Island City Council (MBPP) be raised or not? Not State Government's jurisdiction but Local Government's power.
Restore Right to Democratically Elect Peoples’ Representatives through Free and Fair Elections for True and Effective People’s Participation in all levels of Government including the Local Community Level, Local Government (Council) and the Senate (16 Groups)
Summary
DAP lawmaker Lim Lip Eng accuses PAS of hypocrisy for remaining silent on MCA’s call to reinstate local election in Kuala Lumpur, despite PAS previously opposing a similar proposal by DAP.
He suggests that PAS and MCA might be secretly colluding, using racial issues to serve their political agendas.
A DAP MP has questioned PAS’ silence on MCA president Wee Ka Siong’s call for the government to reinstate local election in Kuala Lumpur.
Lim Lip Eng stated that this stands in stark contrast to PAS’ previous vocal opposition to a similar proposal from DAP just months ago.
At the time, PAS strongly opposed the idea, invoking the May 13 tragedy to scare the public with outdated racial rhetoric, Lim said.
However, he noted that when MCA made the same request, PAS chose to keep mum.
“Clearly, PAS and MCA only exploit racial issues when it suits their political agenda.
“If PAS truly stood by its principles of opposing local election, why did they not challenge MCA the same way they did with DAP?
“Does PAS’ ‘principle’ not exist, or is it merely a tool used when it benefits them politically?”
Lim also questioned whether PAS and MCA, which are on opposing sides in Parliament, have been secretly colluding and using racial issues to further their own agendas.
“This is not about championing the rakyat or seeking justice. PAS and MCA are nothing more than opportunistic politicians who are willing to stoke racial tensions when it serves their interests but remain silent when their allies are involved,” he added.
Long contentious issue
The call for the restoration of local council election, which was suspended following the 1969 racial riots, has been a contentious issue for many years.
Proponents argue it would give residents a stronger voice in local governance, while opponents fear it could stir racial tensions and destabilise the political climate.
Earlier this week, Wee called for local election in Kuala Lumpur, noting the lack of elected people’s representatives in the city aside from MPs.
“Conducting local election would allow more elected representatives (local councillors) to assist MPs in addressing local livelihood issues and solving community concerns,” he argued.
READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | Local governments and elections
In October last year, the Federal Territories DAP urged the government to reform the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) by allowing the appointment of councillors.
It previously also urged the government to reinstate local government election in the nation’s capital.
The call courted widespread backlash from political foes and friends alike, as well as a police report from the Federal Territories PAS Youth.
In December 2023, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming dismissed the restoration of local government election as a priority.
Nga stressed that he is “always in touch” with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa over the matter.
Zaliha previously pledged to hold discussions with Nga on the matter and pointed out there are more pertinent issues that need to be prioritised, including governance of strata properties. - Malaysiakini, 27/2/2025
11 new members appointed to DBKL advisory board
- Metro News
-
Friday, 07 Jul 2023
ELEVEN new members have been appointed to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) advisory board, who will be tasked with offering city management recommendations to the mayor.
DBKL, in a statement, said the advisors were presented with their letter of appointments on Friday (July 7), for a two-year period effective May 15.
“Under Section 6(1) of the Federal Capital Act 1960, the appointment of the Advisory Board members is by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who will act on the advice of the Prime Minister or the mayor.
“The letters were presented to the members by Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh, replacing the advisors who completed their respective two-year terms.
Appointed to the new board is Datuk Seri Shafei Abdullah, Datuk Seri Izudin Ishak, Datuk Tong Nguen Khoong, Datuk Ismail Ngah, Datuk Afdlin Shauki Aksan, Datin Rashidah Mohd Sies, Dr Abdul Basir V. Kunhimohamed, Lai Chen Heng, Jayakumar R Muniandy, Hayatul Kamil Termudi and Leong Ooi Kuan.
“With the new board members, it completes the 13-member advisory board, together with Datuk Setia Di-Raja Datuk Abdul Ghani Pateh Akhir and Federal Territories Department director-general Datuk Seri Rosida Jaafar,” DBKL added.
A quick check showed that several of the board members are political appointees while the rest have technical backgrounds.
StarMetro had previously reported that there had been some uncertainty on the appointment of the advisory board since there was no longer a Federal Territories Ministry.
The ministry was restructured after the 15th General Election to become the Federal Territories Department, under the purview of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. - Star, 7/7/2023
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment