The Kuala Lumpur Residents’ Association and Sustainable Development (KLRA+SD) welcomes the call for the reinstatement of Local Council Elections (LCE), particularly in Kuala Lumpur.
Highlighting LCE as a crucial check and balance mechanism for decision-making, KLRA+SD emphasises its significance in ensuring effective city management, aligning with the vision to create a sustainable city that prioritises residents’ living quality and fosters a conducive business environment.
Over the past 60 years (1963 to 2023), KL citizens have faced escalating problems and challenges under the current system, where decisions for KL City rest solely on the prerogative of the Mayor and Minister in charge.
Issues such as traffic congestions, flash floods, landslides, air quality deterioration, loss of green spaces, massive hillside developments, over-development, and economic downturns trace back to an ineffective governance system with an imbalanced decision-making process.
Attempts to plan holistically are hindered by “town-hall” sessions that neglect residents’ feedback, resulting in a Kuala Lumpur that seemingly caters more to developers than its residents.
Concerns are raised regarding the approval of the KL City Plan 2020 without proper procedures and its current legal challenges. Despite the gazettement of the KL Structure Plan 2040 with town hall sessions, residents’ concerns have been largely ignored, contradicting the plan’s theme of “City For All.”
KLRA+SD expresses apprehension that the KL City Plan 2040 might follow a similar trend.
Additionally, the organisation highlights instances where Federal Territory Ministers, along with the Mayor, have abused their power, granting wide powers to push through projects.
Unlike other states with three levels of governance (MPs, ADUNs, and appointed Councillors), residents of the Federal Territory have only MPs, lacking influence over the administration of Kuala Lumpur.
KLRA+SD strongly advocates for the reinstatement of Local Government Elections, where councillors are elected rather than appointed, ensuring representation aligned with the wishes and needs of the people.
The organisation points to the Selangor system, where appointed political personalities working as councillors have not achieved the quality of life residents demand, prioritizing party interests over the people.
