Study on proposed changes to Federal Capital Act to conclude end of March - Yeoh

 

A feasibility study on proposed amendments to the Federal Capital Act 1960 to allow local government polls in the capital, including a Kuala Lumpur mayoral election, is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the study, conducted by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), is ongoing, and an interim report has already been presented to the government.

“After March, it will be ready; otherwise, they (UIAM) will meet with us. They have met once, and there is an interim report, but the interview sessions with stakeholders are still ongoing.

“It has yet to be tabled before the cabinet. I have to wait for the study to be completed first,” she said at a press conference on strengthening fire safety awareness in Kuala Lumpur’s high-density strata buildings in Kuala Lumpur today.

Previously, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil urged all parties not to underestimate the capability of public universities such as IIUM in conducting studies on the feasibility of local authority polls and the appointment of the Kuala Lumpur mayor.

On Feb 3, Yeoh said the feasibility study on holding local council polls in the capital, including the election of the Kuala Lumpur mayor, had already begun during the tenure of the previous federal territories minister.

She said the study commenced last December following the tabling of a Private Members’ Bill in the Dewan Rakyat.

- Bernama