KUALA LUMPUR: It is time for the people of Kuala Lumpur to determine the city’s own future by holding local government elections, say KL MPs.
KL Government Backbenchers Club (BBC) said it was illogical that KL MPs and residents currently had no say into how the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) manages its massive nearly RM3bil budget.
Led by Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (PH-Setiawangsa), the group said this in support of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recommendations to reform governance mechanisms in KL’s land development processes.
Released on Monday (Aug 25), the PAC report deemed the current governance structure and mechanisms for land development in KL to be inadequate for ensuring the best interests of the people are maintained.
Combined with an absence of an effective check and balance mechanism in government land development decision making, the PAC said the current state of KL could not ensure sustainable growth.
“The Mayor of Kuala Lumpur wields far greater powers than local government heads in other states as the city can only be advised by an advisory board, without any functioning checks and balances.
“This lack of democratic accountability in city governance has contributed significantly to Kuala Lumpur’s development challenges, from urban planning to liveability and its competitiveness as a world-class city.
“As the nation’s capital with a budget allocation exceeding RM3bil, KL residents deserve a greater say in the running of their own city,” Nik Nazmi said in a press conference at Parliament on Tuesday (Aug 26).
The MPs also backed the establishment of a permanent committee to include KL’s elected MPs in any key decision-making, as suggested by the PAC report.
They also supported PAC’s proposal for legislative amendments to introduce a new council system with appointed members providing oversight over any decisions made as well as for the public release of land records.
“While these reforms would be a step forward, a broader national discussion must take place to consider restoring local government elections in Kuala Lumpur,” Nik added.
Also endorsing the statement was Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras), Lim Lip Eng (PH-Kepong), Teresa Kok (PH-Seputeh), Fong Kui Lun (PH-Bukit Bintang), Zahir Hassan (PH-Wangsa Maju) and Prabakaran Parameswaran (PH-Batu).
