Selangor councillor posts dispute to be settled by March - Amirudin

 

Discussions on 20 local councillor positions in Selangor are expected to be concluded by March, said Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.

He said talks on the matter between the state Pakatan Harapan and Umno have been cordial thus far.

“(Talks will resume) soon, I will try to find time after the Chinese New Year. Time is a bit tight now, but discussions have taken place harmoniously.

“In fact, my last discussion with (Selangor Umno chief) Megat (Zulkarnain Omardin) was cordial, and we understood what they (Umno) were trying to relay, and I also put up a few suggestions.

“I believe before the fasting month, we can conclude all,” Amirudin (above) told reporters after attending a function in Kuala Lumpur today.

Amirudin was asked about the progress in appointing 20 local councillors across 12 local authorities in Selangor, which are still open to BN despite the latter rejecting the positions.

‘No big deal’

Local Government and Tourism Exco Ng Suee Lim recently said that the vacancies do not necessarily need to be filled immediately, they can be filled in the future.

On Jan 16, Malaysiakini reported that the Selangor government was unable to complete the appointment of councillors involving 12 local authorities for the 2024-2025 session.

Selangor Umno chief Megat Zulkarnain Omardin

According to an internal state government source, Umno’s refusal to accept Amirudin’s offer of 20 seats has complicated the appointment of 272 new council members.

Selangor Umno had initially asked for more than the 20 local council posts offered, but later returned them.

In return, Megat demanded 373 posts at the Village Development and Security Committee throughout the state.

Elaborating, Amirudin said the matter is not “as big” as the media had portrayed it to be.

“There is an understanding between partners in a coalition (Harapan and BN).

“So it’s not a big deal for us. It could be just the news is big. I just feel that they (Umno) do not want councillor positions, so if there are other positions or functions in the state government, we will fit them in.”