Based on feedback, reviving local government elections is not a priority for the people at the moment, said Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Therefore, he said his ministry is prioritising the people’s livelihood and everyday issues, despite knowing that the “third vote” - after federal and state elections - is part of the democratic process.
“We understand that local government elections are a reflection of democracy. But there are priorities.
“The most important thing for me now is to revive the economy. We have to also ensure the roads are level, street lights are bright, toilets are clean and drains are unblocked.
“My work is not going to focus on what I want, but based on what the people want,” Nga said.
He said this when asked, during an interview with the Chinese media recently, whether he is planning to restore local council elections during his tenure as minister.
He further explained that once the basic issues are improved, Pakatan Harapan could easily secure a victory when the right time comes and local government elections are restored.
“Frankly speaking, if (we) want to revive local government elections, I should ensure Harapan can win comfortably.
“How can we achieve that? The key is to take good care of the people first, and you can have elections anytime,” added Nga.
Linked to racial issues
Malaysia suspended local government elections with the Proclamation of Emergency during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation in 1964, citing concerns of racial tension.
The Local Government Act was then passed in 1976, abolishing local government elections and, from then until today, local government officials, such as municipal council presidents, city council mayors and local councillors, are appointed by the respective state governments.
During the 1960s, the Chinese made up the majority of residents in the urban areas of Malaya.
But in the 2020 census, three-quarters of Malaysia’s population was found to be living in cities, with most urban-dwellers - over 62 percent - being bumiputera.
Although Nga’s party DAP has been advocating bringing back local council elections and even included it in their manifesto during the 12th general election (GE12) in 2008, it was not listed in Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto in last year’s GE15.
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has repeatedly opposed the restoration of local council elections, claiming that some cities are dominated by Chinese, and alleging they will make alcohol and gambling permissible to Muslims.
Last December, when Nga clocked in for his minister job for the first time, he also told the media that restoring local council elections will not be the immediate focus of his ministry. - Mkini
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