GEORGE TOWN – Penang has become the first state to allow a majority of registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs) here to have a seat on its local councils, from next year.
Announcing this landmark policy, state housing, local government and town planning committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo told journalists here that every registered NGO can nominate one candidate each from their organisations or movements to sit as a local city councillor.
Previously, the slot was just for four representatives, and it usually came from the Penang Forum, an umbrella body of several NGOs and the chambers of commerce.
Now, Jagdeep said that any NGO that is active in Penang, can partake in sending representatives, so as many as seven to 15 NGOs may be represented in the City Council from next year.
The policy change is applicable to the Penang Island City Council and the Seberang Prai City Council.
Also from next year, 30% of all councillors in Penang must be women.
Under the Section 10(1) of the Local Government Act 1976, the city council must comprise of a Lord Mayor (council president), no less than eight and not more than 24 persons to be appointed as councillors , and they must have expertise in local government matters as well as serving the best interests of their communities in Penang.
Penang was barred from implementing local government elections after the Federal Court ruled that it was inappropriate at this moment since the rest of the country was not following suit.
“But the next best thing is a progressive policy to allow more civil society participation and women in local government,” said Jagdeep.
Currently, the quota is filled by political appointees under Pakatan Harapan in each council, of which DAP has 10, PKR eight, Amanah two, NGOs four in each council.
Jagdeep said that more of the quota would be filled by NGOs.
Such organisations are urged to forward a representative of their NGOs to the two City Councils by December 15 so the State can screen and recommend as many of them as councillors.
“Those who are unsure can contact the Local Government Division of the state to seek more information,” said Jagdeep – The Vibes, December 3, 2020.
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