Aziz: Malays could benefit from local govt election if done right
Amid fresh outcries against a proposal to reinstate local government election, Perak DAP leader Abdul Aziz Bari has argued that Malays may stand to benefit from the move, rather than lose power as feared.
He said Malay leaders who issued statements against the idea, which Federal Territories DAP chief Tan Kok Wai recently mooted, should cease "spooking" the Malays with such fears.
"If it's properly done, the Malays may benefit from the local election instead of losing power.
"States like Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis may see Malay-dominated local councils, such may also be the scenario even in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur," Aziz (above) told Malaysiakini.
The constitutional expert called out Umno supreme council member Lokman Adam and Bersatu leader Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal over their reported remarks on the matter.
Umno supreme council member Lokman Adam
"The duo assumed everybody votes along racial lines. It's time for them to wake up rather than be stuck in the past," he said.
Contrary to claims that the local government election was DAP's way to strengthen dominance in urban areas, Aziz said the move was a way to address grassroots complaints on matters affecting their daily lives.
He also reminded that the first general election in 1955 was rooted in the Kuala Lumpur Municipal Council election held three years prior.
"The duo who were born after independence should study more about the subject.
"The fact is that older generations like myself and Tan are concerned about democratisation, while the younger generation is stuck in the past," he said.
"The duo assumed everybody votes along racial lines. It's time for them to wake up rather than be stuck in the past," he said.
Contrary to claims that the local government election was DAP's way to strengthen dominance in urban areas, Aziz said the move was a way to address grassroots complaints on matters affecting their daily lives.
He also reminded that the first general election in 1955 was rooted in the Kuala Lumpur Municipal Council election held three years prior.
"The duo who were born after independence should study more about the subject.
"The fact is that older generations like myself and Tan are concerned about democratisation, while the younger generation is stuck in the past," he said.
DAP’s Tan Kok Wai
The last time Malaysia held a local council election was in 1963. The next round, which was supposed to be held the following year, was suspended.
The temporary suspension became permanent in 1976 when Parliament passed the Local Government Act resulting in the abolishment of the local government election altogether and only provided for the appointment of local councillors.
"In any case, the proposed local election would be subject to certain limitations and the duo ought to remember that they are also welcome to take part in the consultative process to enact such laws,” Aziz added.
The last time Malaysia held a local council election was in 1963. The next round, which was supposed to be held the following year, was suspended.
The temporary suspension became permanent in 1976 when Parliament passed the Local Government Act resulting in the abolishment of the local government election altogether and only provided for the appointment of local councillors.
"In any case, the proposed local election would be subject to certain limitations and the duo ought to remember that they are also welcome to take part in the consultative process to enact such laws,” Aziz added.
United stand needed
Former federal territories minister Khalid Samad said Pakatan Harapan leaders must discuss the DAP-backed proposal so they can decide on the coalition's stand.
The Amanah leader also noted that all levels of elections including any move to revive the local council election, will be used as a platform for "race politics".
"At the moment, priority should be put on showing the unity of the government, and as such I would suggest these issues be discussed internally within the coalition first, not being brought up in the open by individual parties, which will show differences and cause a split.
"So in terms of wisdom, discuss internally first, hear all arguments. When a decision is made, decide what to do in the event the decision is not in line with your party's stand," Khalid said.
Amanah’s Khalid Samad
Further, the former Shah Alam MP noted that while calling for the local government election to start in Kuala Lumpur, there are no positions for local councillors in the structure under the Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
At present, Kuala Lumpur only has MPs, and the federal government runs Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
"What I'm trying to say is, a lot needs to be done structurally too. Not just the local council election," he added.
Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said there are more basic matters that need to be prioritised including governance of strata properties, instead of discussions on reintroducing the local council election.
Further, the former Shah Alam MP noted that while calling for the local government election to start in Kuala Lumpur, there are no positions for local councillors in the structure under the Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
At present, Kuala Lumpur only has MPs, and the federal government runs Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
"What I'm trying to say is, a lot needs to be done structurally too. Not just the local council election," he added.
Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said there are more basic matters that need to be prioritised including governance of strata properties, instead of discussions on reintroducing the local council election.
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