Local councils' role questioned in new small projects budget

 

After the government announced plans for a new system to let the public apply for allocations for small projects, some argued that maintaining public amenities should be done by local councils.

Residents have insisted that it should not be their responsibility to unclog drains or repair potholes on roads.

Petaling Jaya Section 14 Residents Association (RA14) chairperson George Paul Raj questioned the role of local authorities if the public has to do the upkeep themselves.

“Isn’t it the job of the local authorities? If we have to do repairs and unclog drains ourselves, what is the local authorities’ function?

“We have to remind our council many times before complaints are addressed, so it is about time they (federal government) look into the local authorities’ response time,” George told Malaysiakini.

This comes after Economic Affairs Minister Rafizi Ramli announced yesterday that his ministry plans to introduce a new system for the public to apply for allocations for small projects.

Economic Affairs Minister Rafizi Ramli

He said the new system will be launched sometime in mid to late June.

Under this new system, individuals ranging from the general public to district offices and state departments can directly approach the Economic Affairs Ministry to request allocations.

Rafizi highlighted that the current process involves excessive layers of bureaucracy, resulting in delays of up to two to three years.

‘A clever move’

Meanwhile, Petaling Jaya resident Michael Kum told Malaysiakini that the allotment should directly come from the councils’ funds as people pay assessment rates yearly.

Kum, who is also the Section 20 Residents Association (RA20) secretary, suggested that funds should be channelled properly to assure there would be no financial mismanagement in projects.

“We don’t know where the state government puts our taxes. Having direct access to funds from councils (would be) a clever move.

“A proper governance mechanism by councils must be introduced, where all possible corrupt circumstances are stopped and where funds are diluted,” he said.

Kum echoed George’s views that if the public can directly receive financial aid from the government in these circumstances, local councils would become redundant.

Malaysiakini has reached out to local councillors for comments on the matter. - Mkini