Start local elections in KL first, says DAP KL chief

Tan Kok Wai says the implementation of Kuala Lumpur’s local elections will ensure effective and clean governance in the city.

(FMT) – Kuala Lumpur DAP chairman Tan Kok Wai has urged the government to start local elections in the capital city first to strengthen its democracy.

Speaking at the Kuala Lumpur DAP convention today, the Cheras MP said reintroducing local elections in Kuala Lumpur would provide sustainability and give the residents the right to select their city council representatives.

“With the implementation of the long-delayed local elections, the principle of no taxation without representation can be upheld to ensure effective, clean, and people-centred governance, and to make Kuala Lumpur a world-class city we can all be proud of,” Tan said.

Local elections in Malaysia were suspended in the 1960s and later replaced by a system of appointed heads, where state mayors of city councils and presidents of municipal and district councils are appointed by the state governments.

Tan said DAP remains committed to its stand to reintroduce local elections in Kuala Lumpur whether there is a Federal Territories ministry or not.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a Cabinet reshuffle that saw the Federal Territories ministry restored after the portfolio was placed under the prime minister’s department last year.

Former health minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa was appointed as the new Federal Territories minister.

The Federal Territories consist of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.