CALLS are mounting for the government to make public the findings of a study on Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) governance.
The demand follows a Cabinet decision to prioritise administrative reforms at DBKL before considering amendments to the Federal Capital Act 1960.
This directive was based on a four-month feasibility study by International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), which concluded that structural improvements should take precedence over introducing a local councillor system.
The study was commissioned after a Private Member’s Bill proposed sweeping changes to the capital’s governance, including local council elections and alterations to how the mayor is appointed.
Save Kuala Lumpur Coalition chairman Datuk M. Ali welcomed the focus on reform but stressed that publishing the report was essential.
“Residents and stakeholders should have the opportunity to see the evidence and recommendations that shaped the study’s conclusions,” Ali said.
“Kuala Lumpur has no shortage of plans.
Brickfields Community Society chairman Dr Christopher Nicholas said residents would judge the success of any transformation by tangible improvements on the ground rather than policy documents.
“People want transparent decision-making, better engagement with residents and quicker action on complaints,” he pointed out.
Echoing these views is Taman Desa Residents Association chairman Wong Chan Choy.
“If this transformation is to succeed, residents must be able to see and feel the improvements in their neighbourhoods.”
The three residents’ groups reiterated their long-standing support for an elected mayor and councillors, arguing that democratic representation would better align authority with public accountability.
“Taxpayers funded the study and its findings have guided Cabinet decisions.
“The public should be allowed to examine the report and judge its recommendations for themselves,” said Tan.
On July 1, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh had in a media statement, said the IIUM study identified DBKL’s core issues as internal administrative weaknesses, rather than shortcomings in existing legislation.
Instead of adding another layer of decision-making, the study recommended strengthening internal checks and balances as well as accountability mechanisms.
The Cabinet accepted this approach, instructing the Federal Territories Department (JWP) and DBKL to draft a transformation plan to execute these changes before altering the law.
Conducted between December 2025 and March 2026, the IIUM study gathered feedback from Kuala Lumpur MPs and DBKL management.
It examined various restructuring proposals, including the establishment of a supreme council and an advisory body comprising the city’s seven MPs.
