MCA: “Direct election of mayors will return power to the masses, foster culture of responsibility”

 

MCA Federal Territories has applauded the directive by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh to explore the election of the Kuala Lumpur (KL) mayor.

Its state liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng said only by returning power to the masses and ensuring that the mayor is directly accountable to residents can urban challenges be addressed while also building a culture of democratic accountability.

“While some parties have expressed concerns regarding the direct election of mayors, we urge all stakeholders to participate actively in the discussion,” Wee, who is also the MCA vice president, said.

“The government must also listen carefully to views from all sides in order to design the most appropriate and effective system. We are of the view that the direct election of mayors represents the first step in reform towards restoring local council elections.

“This will enable residents to participate more directly in city affairs and exercise supervision over city administration, thereby enhancing democracy, transparency and accountability in local governance.”

In a recent interview with China Press, Yeoh said the study for mayoral elections for KL would assess whether electing a mayor was more practical than electing city councillors, citing KL’s layered administrative structure involving MPs, advisory boards and City Hall.

She said voting rules, costs, voter eligibility and possible amendments to the Federal Capital Act 1960 would have to be examined, while a separate review by the International Islamic University Malaysia is expected to be released in March.

Calls to restore local government elections resurfaced in November last year after the early end of former mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif’s tenure.

She was replaced by Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong consented to shorten her term so she could take up a senior advisory role at Petronas.

Strengthening accountability

Wee said the restoration of local elections will further strengthen accountability mechanisms, better reflect representation from both government and opposition parties, and enhance administrative transparency.

“The long absence of local elections has deprived residents of meaningful channels to express their views and address specific local needs,” he continued.

“The reinstatement of local elections is therefore crucial to the democratic process, ensuring that local councils truly reflect the will of citizens in administration.

“By reviving local council elections, local government officials will be genuinely accountable to the public, people-centred and service-oriented, with elected mayors overseeing enforcement and policy implementation.”

According to Wee, with public democratic awareness reaching greater maturity, allowing the rakyat to elect their mayors and returning power to the people is an “inevitable trend”.

“Local governments exist to serve residents’ needs, and should rightly be led by representatives with a clear public mandate,” he added.

“This will effectively improve administrative efficiency, strengthen a culture of accountability, and enhance public participation in local affairs.” ‒ Focus Malaysia