MPPs probed over extortion: What does an MPP actually do?

 

A viral video showing two men approaching a city business has sparked allegations of extortion by individuals meant to serve as a bridge between authorities and the public. - NSTP file pic

KUALA LUMPUR: A viral video showing two men approaching a city business has sparked allegations of extortion by individuals meant to serve as a bridge between authorities and the public.

Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh has ordered a probe into the matter, while police are investigating alleged extortion. The two men, members of the Residents Representative Council (MPP), have been asked to resign.

The New Straits Times takes a closer look at the role of an MPP.

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What is an MPP?

The government's Ihsan Madani portal describes an MPP as a "strategic bridge" between the government and the public, driving grassroots initiatives focused on unity, sustainability and human development.

Essentially, MPPs, which exist only in the Federal Territories, are tasked with organising community development events, disseminating government policies, and gathering grievances for official reporting.

By fostering community participation and local self-governance, the MPP aims to ensure urban concerns are addressed promptly while enhancing the service delivery of local authorities.

The council operates at several levels, with the central level being the highest, followed by the local council, zone and sub-zone levels. Each level has its own chairman, deputy chairman and secretaries.

Who appoints MPPs?

MPP members are appointed by the Federal Territories Minister. Sitting members manage memberships by submitting nominations to the council.

These nominations are vetted by the respective Federal Territory members of parliament before being submitted to the minister for endorsement.

The MPP at the sub-zone level must convene at least six times annually to review progress and coordinate data. Meeting minutes and status updates are shared with the relevant zone and local authority secretariats.

At the central level, the Federal Territories Minister chairs the MPP council. At the local level, councils are chaired by the Kuala Lumpur mayor, the Putrajaya Corporation president, and the Labuan Corporation chief executive officer.

All members receive monthly allowances. Zone chairmen receive RM3,000, sub-zone chairmen receive RM800, while deputy chairmen and secretaries receive RM500 and RM400 respectively.

What can an MPP member do?

Yeoh said yesterday that MPPs cannot check licences or engage business owners and developers, as enforcement matters fall strictly under the jurisdiction of local authorities such as Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

An MPP's role is limited to listening to grievances and channelling them to local authorities.

What now?

The two MPP members at the centre of the controversy are accused of seeking "protection money" from a massage centre, claims both have denied.

While the police investigation continues, Yeoh has vowed to eradicate middleman practices and wants all local matters, including licensing, to be handled directly by local authorities.

She said she would speak to members of parliament before deciding on the next course of action. - NST