In a democracy, local council elections are considered part of the democratic process: they allow for people to have a say on governance at the local level.
It may come as a surprise to many that Malaysia had local council elections until it was abolished in 1965 due to the “confrontation” with Indonesia. The government deemed it necessary then to suspend local council elections ostensibly to maintain national security.
With the passing of the Local Government Act 1976, local council elections became a distant and fading memory. While there were calls to reinstate local council polls, they did not receive an enthusiastic response from the authorities.
In 2010 civil society coalition Penang Forum even conducted a small experimental poll to allow members of the public to vote on who the NGO nominees to the two councils (Penang Island and mainland Penang) should be.
The Penang state government later took the issue of reviving local council elections all the way to the Federal Court, but it was stymied by the Local Government Act, which had abolished local council elections.
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So why bring back local council elections if we have survived so long without them? There are many reasons for reviving local council polls, but I will mention three here.
First, local council elections allow people to have a say in who represents them in managing and providing services to their communities. In short, such elections allow people to elect their representatives to the local councils – people who they think will truly represent their interests and values – as opposed to the current system, where the councillors are appointed by the state government.
Second, such elections promote transparency and accountability. As the local councillors are elected by voters, these councillors will have to be accountable to the people and responsive to the needs of the community. This will help reduce corruption and ensure that public funds are used more efficiently and effectively.
Finally, as political scientist Dr Francis Loh notes, political power in Malaysia is highly centralised at the federal level. This results in the federal government intervening in matters that could have been resolved more efficiently and quickly if power was devolved to the lower levels of government. Mundane matters such as clogged drains or potholes, which affect a local community, are best resolved locally.
Bringing back local council elections in Malaysia is a necessary step towards improving local governance and empowering citizens.
Local council elections will enhance democracy, increase public participation in decision-making, revitalise political parties and civil society, and help address local issues and challenges more effectively.
The government should take proactive steps to ensure that local council elections are held regularly and are free, fair and transparent.
We wish all our Muslim readers Selamat Hari Raya and all of you a lovely long holiday weekend.
Chris Chong
Co-editor, Aliran newsletter
20 April 2023
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
