Kuala Lumpur has not had a mayor or federal territories minister who has truly met the benchmark for developing a well-run and high-integrity capital city despite multiple people filling the posts over the years, says a DAP veteran.
Federal territories DAP chief Tan Kok Wai said anyone who takes up the posts must push for real change, with a focus on conscience-led development, good governance and high efficiency.
“Yesterday, KL received a new mayor (Fadlun Mak Ujud), who took his oath of office to replace the previous mayor who only served for 16 months instead of the usual two years.
“We have seen ministers and mayors come and go, but none have yet met the standard needed to build a capital city that is efficient and has integrity,” he said at the KL DAP annual convention here.
Fadlun took office yesterday to replace Maimunah Sharif, whose term was shortened. She was supposed to serve until Aug 16 next year.
She has been appointed as property adviser to national oil and gas firm Petronas from tomorrow.
Tan said the DAP chapter was ready to work with the new mayor, support good policies and keep him accountable.
The nine-term MP said Fadlun should make it compulsory to hold meetings with all KL MPs when making decisions on any key plans to beef up anti-corruption efforts and set high-integrity standards.
“KL is bogged down with too many high-density projects and this is hurting the quality of life. To build a world-class city, we cannot manage a 21st-century Kuala Lumpur with a 20th-century mindset.
“That is why DAP supports a moratorium on new projects in areas where infrastructure is already stretched. If we do not change course, we will leave behind a city that is not sustainable, not inclusive and not resilient,” the Cheras MP said.
Tan also repeated DAP’s call to restore local council elections in KL.
“Local elections must be brought back as soon as possible, either before or after the general election, depending on the roadmap. The planning must start now.”
