Former KL mayors not keen on local elections

Azmi says the KL mayor’s scope is too wide, leading to higher risks of corruption.

TWO former Kuala Lumpur mayors have pushed back against growing calls for a mayoral election in the capital, citing concerns over potential political pressure and need for internal reforms.

Tan Sri Mohd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz, who led the city from 2015 to 2018, warned the move could inflame Malaysia’s politics further.

“The country is already highly politicised in many aspects, and introducing elected mayors would contribute to that.

“Local authorities must operate strictly according to rules and regulations, without political interference,” he told StarMetro.

Nik Nazmi says local council elections can serve as a platform for political parties to groom future leaders.

Mohd Amin also rejected claims that mayoral elections were necessary to enhance accountability in city planning, stressing that this was already governed by existing rules.

“There should be no need to refer decisions to political parties for approval, as this only slows things down.

“As long as Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) adheres to rules and regulations, public will be satisfied,” he stressed.

The issue of mayoral election sparked debate after Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh announced an ongoing study to review its feasibility.

Her deputy Datuk Lo Su Fui, during the Dewan Rakyat sitting on Feb 12, said the authorities would seek input from stakeholders too.

Nor Hisham says comprehensive reform is more urgent than mayoral election.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission deputy chief commissioner (prevention) Datuk Azmi Kamaruzaman was recently reported as saying that Kuala Lumpur mayor’s extensive authority had led to higher risks of corruption and power abuse.

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan, who helmed DBKL between 2018 and 2020, speaking at a forum earlier this month, insisted that efforts should instead go towards reforming the City Hall.

“In my view, the mayoral position does not need any changes; it is the internal system that requires reforms.

“We are all aware of issues such as cartels and corruption in DBKL, which is why reform is crucial,” he said.

However, fellow panellists at the forum − Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok − offered a different perspective.

Kok said key decisions affecting the capital by the mayor were often influenced by higher authorities.

She said this minimised the role of Kuala Lumpur MPs, yet they are blamed by the public when things go wrong.

Kok says KL MPs often bear the brunt of public outcry over urban planning decisions.

On Jan 19, Yeoh announced the formation of several DBKL committees headed by MPs to oversee city planning matters.

She also said that a study was underway to amend the Federal Capital Act 1960, aimed at giving MPs a bigger voice.

Nik Nazmi meanwhile, acknowledged many people were still unfamiliar with a mayoral election.

Instead, he suggested introducing elections for local councillors, who would then select the mayor.

He said such a system could provide a platform for political parties to nurture young talent through local elections.

On concerns that local elections could affect the political standing of the Malay community in Kuala Lumpur, Nik Nazmi said parties should view this as an opportunity to field credible candidates and win support from voters.