Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has found some inconsistencies in the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) study that rejected a local election for the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
In a statement, he claimed that the report, which was made public three days ago, made a contradictory proposal when it suggested the Federal Territory Minister Council legislate DBKL by-laws and regulations.
"On page 321 of the report, it says there is no necessity to amend the Federal Capital Act 1960, while on page 326, it states that MPs are not to be given direct administrative powers.
"However, from page 327 to page 328, the report suggested the Federal Territory Minister Council play a role similar to a state legislative assembly to amend by-laws and regulations for DBKL.
"These three positions are inconsistent," said Lim, who rejected the report’s findings.
The DAP lawmaker pointed out that the Local Government Act gives the DBKL mayor power to make by-laws, which come into effect after it is approved by the minister in charge and gazetted.
However, this power can never be delegated to any other person, he added.
Lim stressed that the Federal Territory Minister Council also does not have any legislative power and can only serve as an administrative or consultative body at best.
Malaysiakini has reached out to IIUM and the office of the Minister in the Prime Minister (Federal Territory) Hannah Yeoh for comment.
City reps needed
In his statement, Lim also reiterated the calls for a local election in Kuala Lumpur.
He said Parliament has the power to amend the federal constitution to allow mayoral and councillor elections.
"Kuala Lumpur does not have state assemblypersons or council members, while MPs hold federal-level responsibilities.
"The city needs local representatives that are elected to monitor DBKL's daily business, including town planning, development, licensing, and its operational and development budgets," Lim said.
He urged the government to amend the Federal Capital Act to make way for a Kuala Lumpur City Council, with the majority of its members elected by the rakyat while maintaining two representatives of the Selangor ruler.
It was reported last month that IIUM's study had advised the federal government against having a mayoral election for Kuala Lumpur. It also rejected a proposal by Kuala Lumpur MPs to have appointed councillors.
Following this, Lim had pushed for the report to be made public. - Mkini
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