For nearly 50 years, the people of Malaysia have had no say in who runs their local councils.
Since the government scrapped local elections in 1976, local councils have been filled with political appointees. These are chosen by state governments rather than elected by the people.
The result? A lack of accountability, poor service delivery and councils that serve political interests instead of public needs.
Why local elections matter
Local councils are responsible for the things we deal with every day – waste collection, traffic management, business permits, urban planning and public facilities.
In theory, these councils should be the most responsive level of government. But no elections mean no pressure to perform.
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Currently, councillors lack accountability to the people. Failure to tackle potholes, clogged drains or inefficient public transport, will not cost them their positions.
Instead, the loyalty of councillors lies with the politicians who appointed them. This system encourages political patronage, as such positions are handed out as rewards rather than based on competence.
If local leaders had to win votes instead of political favours, they would be forced to listen, engage and deliver real results.
Benefits of restoring local elections
Let us look at how local elections can benefit the people.
First, when people can vote for their local leaders, those leaders will have a reason to care about public concerns.
Elections give voters the power to remove incompetent councillors and reward those who actually do their jobs.
Right now, we have no such option. If a council fails, residents are stuck with the councillors until the next round of political appointments.
Malaysian cities face issues with traffic, public transport, waste management, and development. These are local problems that need local solutions, but appointed councils often lack vision and urgency.
Consider Jakarta and Surabaya in Indonesia. Both cities saw major improvements after decentralisation gave local leaders more authority.
When mayors and councillors are elected, they tend to be more innovative, responsive and more willing to engage with the public.
Third, democracy does not stop with general elections. People should have a say in how their towns and cities are run. Restoring local elections would encourage more civic participation, making residents more engaged in their communities.
When voters have a stake in local government, they are more likely to attend town hall meetings, give feedback and hold officials accountable. Over time, this builds a more politically aware and active society.
Finally, under the current system, state governments control local councils. This means decisions are often based on politics rather than public interest. Decisions about land, development and council budgets are often made in private, with little transparency.
An elected local government would reduce this interference. The people – not state politicians – would choose their councillors. Councillors could then focus on real governance instead of being political party puppets.
Way forward
Restoring local elections requires political will. Unfortunately, many politicians benefit from the current system and have little incentive to change it.
That is why public pressure is crucial. Civil society groups, academics and ordinary people must push for reform.
A truly democratic system does not just exist at the national level – it must be present in our towns and cities too. We deserve local leaders who are chosen by the people, not appointed behind closed doors.
Local elections are long overdue. They would improve governance, create more accountable leaders and give the people of Malaysia a real say in how their communities are run. The current system benefits politicians, not the people.
It is time for change. It is time to bring back local elections.
Chris Chong
Co-editor, Aliran newsletter
9 April 2025
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
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