Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has proposed turning Kuala Lumpur from a federal territory into a state.
Lim pointed out that despite the capital's large population, the people there have limited rights in choosing their leaders.
“Apart from electing their MP, people in the territory do not get to choose their local representative as the federal territories minister is exclusively chosen by the federal government.
“At the same time, the mayor and his directors in Kuala Lumpur City Hall are also chosen the same way,” he said in a statement.
Lim added that making Kuala Lumpur a state would be in line with the concept of a fair and equitable democracy.
“With the change, a system of governance such as a Kuala Lumpur state assembly can be set up where people can elect their assemblypersons.
“Through this process, a menteri besar can also be appointed and their leadership will reflect the will of the people in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
Respect democratic rights
He added that as a territory that is economically significant, its people’s democratic rights should be upheld.
“Kuala Lumpur contributes significantly to the national economy. The population is also larger than in certain states.
“It is time that their democratic right is respected. A state can only advance if its people are given the right to choose,” he said.
Lim suggested that the head of state can be the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or Selangor ruler.
In 1974, Kuala Lumpur was ceded to the federal government and was turned into a federal territory.
As a federal territory, the administrative leadership is not elected but is directly appointed by the federal government. - Mkini
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