Ensure accountability via direct mayoral elections to foster a culture of responsibility

The Federal Territories MCA concurs with the directive by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh to explore the election for the post of Kuala Lumpur mayor.

This is consistent with Federal Territories MCA's long-standing call for the restoration of local council elections in Kuala Lumpur. Only by returning power to the masses and ensuring the mayor is directly accountable to residents can we address urban challenges, build a culture of democratic accountability and demonstrate progress towards greater democratisation.

While some parties have expressed concern, we urge all stakeholders to actively participate in the discussion. The government must listen carefully to views from all sides to design the most appropriate and effective election system.

We are of the view that the direct election of mayors represents the first step in reform towards restoring local council elections. This will enable residents to participate more directly in city affairs and supervise city administration, thereby enhancing democracy, transparency and accountability in local governance.

As our national democracy continues to mature, the restoration of local elections will further strengthen accountability mechanisms, better reflect representation from both government and opposition parties, and enhance administrative transparency.

The long absence of local elections has deprived residents of meaningful channels to express their views and address specific local needs. Reinstating local elections is therefore crucial to the democratic process, ensuring that local councils truly reflect citizens' will in administration.

By reviving local council elections, local government officials will be genuinely accountable to the public, people-centred and service-oriented, with elected mayors overseeing enforcement and policy implementation.

With greater maturity in the public's democratic awareness, allowing the rakyat to elect their mayors and returning power to the people is an inevitable trend. Local governments exist to serve residents' needs and should rightly be led by representatives with a clear public mandate. This will effectively improve administrative efficiency, strengthen a culture of accountability, and enhance public participation in local affairs.

Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng

MCA vice president

MCA Federal Territories State Liaison Committee Chairman