KUALA LUMPUR: Feedback from community groups will be sought as part of the study on potential elections for the Kuala Lumpur Mayor, says the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories).
Datuk Lo Su Fui said it was essential to hear the voices of all groups to get a clearer picture of the situation.
“Its not only about race or gender but also the disabled, single mothers, youth and more. We need comprehensive input in order to have a more thorough understanding of the situation.
“Right now, it is still at the study phase with no findings yet,” he said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Feb 12).
Lo was responding to a supplementary question by Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (PH-Setiawangsa) who asked about the inclusivity of possible elections towards administration in Kuala Lumpur, noting how 30% women's participation across all sectors has also yet to be achieved.
Earlier this month, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said a feasibility study to hold an election for the Kuala Lumpur Mayor will be conducted.
She was quoted saying that such an election was seen as more practical than electing many city council members through local government elections.
The move, however, has drawn opposition from certain quarters.
On a related matter, Nik Nazmi also asked if the government agreed with the Public Accounts Committee's (PAC) proposal on appointing council members to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to strengthen checks and balances.
The PAC proposed this last year in efforts to strengthen land development in the capital.
To this, Lo said the government takes heed and respects the proposal.
“Any further action too requires a comprehensive study in efforts to conduct institutional reforms in the capital.
“The Federal Territories Department has also launched a task force to explore the feasibility of amending the Federal Capital Act 1960,” he said.
Lo added that the task force also studied the difference between holding elections for the Mayor post and councillors, also making comparisons with practices in the capitals of other countries.
“The findings will be studied together with various stakeholders. Any proposed amendments here must be presented to the Cabinet for their consideration,” he said.
