An aide to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has suggested that instead of local elections, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) board of advisors members should be given executive powers.
According to one of the premier's political secretaries, Azman Abidin, this can serve as an alternative to polls while also creating a proper check and balance for the Kuala Lumpur mayor.
The DBKL advisory board can consist of up to 12 members, 10 of whom are nominated by the prime minister.
Two others are named by the Selangor sultan in consultation with the state government.
However, the Kuala Lumpur mayor is empowered under Section 10 of the Federal Capital Act to act against the advice of the advisory board, but only after consulting the federal territories minister.
The mayor is also legally obliged to take instructions from the minister.
Speaking to Malaysiakini, Azman said he understood the reasons why Federal Territories DAP chief Tan Kok Wai proposed that local government elections be reinstated, starting with Kuala Lumpur.
"Even though MPs from Kuala Lumpur are elected by the rakyat, they have no authority in making any decisions by DBKL which administers the capital.
"They feel that their voice is of no use compared to the executive power held by DBKL, hence the suggestion for local council elections to check and balance the executive power in administering Kuala Lumpur," Azman said.
"However, giving executive power to the advisory board can be an alternative to local council elections," he added.
Azman also said it could even serve as a first step towards local elections in the future.
Representative in DBKL
Being charged with assisting the premier in overseeing the federal territory before the Federal Territories cabinet portfolio was revived, Azman also suggested other improvements to how DBKL is run.
Specifically, he said that besides the 12 existing advisory board members, each MP - regardless of whether they are from the government or opposition - must be empowered to appoint one board member to represent their constituency.
Further, he said each advisory board member should also be given a portfolio and duties similar to a state exco member.
"That way, each MP has a say in DBKL," he said.
He said all this can be done by amending the Federal Capital Act which does not require a two-thirds majority.
Local council
The last time Malaysia held a local council election was in 1963. The next round, which was supposed to be held the following year, was suspended.
The temporary suspension became permanent in 1976 when Parliament passed the Local Government Act resulting in the abolishment of the local government election altogether and only provided for the appointment of local councillors.
Those against reviving local council elections include Umno, Bersatu, and PAS.
The argument against has mainly been racially motivated, with critics claiming that Malays would lose power in urban areas due to "DAP dominance". - Mkini
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