KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya has no plans to hold elections for municipal councils, given that the appointments-based system has gone smoothly so far.
In its parliamentary written reply yesterday, the Housing and Local Government Ministry explained that holding municipal council elections would incur high expenditures.
“The cost for such an election is estimated to be RM2 million for each municipality, amounting to RM302 million for all 151 municipalities nationwide,” the ministry stated in its written parliamentary reply, yesterday.
It was also mentioned that this does not include other hidden costs such as the involvement of other agencies such as police and Rela to provide security for the elections
The ministry further stated that if these municipal elections are held every two years, it may result in the deterioration of services offered to the public, given time and energy, would be focused on elections.
Nevertheless, the ministry emphasised its intention to support democratic values and the people’s empowerment.
“In light of this, the ministry encourages all local councils to hold their meetings on live streaming platforms, to allow the people to get involved in the administration of local governments.
“To date, 16 local councils held their local council meetings live on streaming platforms,” the ministry stated.
Maria Chin Abdullah (Petaling Jaya-PH), on December 8, questioned the Housing and Local Government Ministry over the government’s intention to hold municipal level elections. – The Vibes, December 11, 2021
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