Khaled: Local elections will cause too much politicking

Caretaker Johor menteri besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin said local government elections will cause too much politicking which will stunt growth and delivery of services.

Speaking at an event in Masai, Johor today, Khaled said granting the state government control over local governments helped facilitate balanced and inclusive development.

"We have accepted the fact that we cannot have local elections, unlike other countries...it is not easy to be the mayor. One will need public mandate. Same for the local council members.

"We believe that if (there are local elections), growth will be stunted because the grassroots will be politicking. Let the rakyat confine politicking to the state legislative assembly and Parliament.

"If all the council members are politicking, I believe nothing can be achieved," he said.

He said that an elected local government will consist of representatives from various parties with various objectives, which will pose problems for collective decision making.

Improving efficiency

Using the newly renovated Masai markets as an example, Khaled said the restoration works were performed after the structure was now owned by the Pasir Gudang Municipality Council (MPPG).

"After the last elections, I became the menteri besar and. The MPPG (Pasir Gudang municipal council) boundaries were changed.

"We fixed the problems because we need to compete with Johor Bahru and Medini," he said.

"Johor Bahru and Medini does not have a menteri besar (as their elected representative) but Pasir Gudang has a menteri besar."

Malaysia abolished local elections in 1964. So far, none of the main opposition parties has pledged to restore such elections. - Mkini