“I will keep to my promise and will table a private member’s bill,” the former Bersih chief told FMT.

“This is because in order to have local elections nationwide, we have to change the laws at the federal level.”

In the recently concluded general election, Maria ran as an independent candidate under the PKR ticket. One of the promises she made to voters was that she would push for the return of local council elections.

She has been pushing for local elections since her days in Bersih, saying it was only right for citizens to choose their mayors, local council presidents and councillors.

At present, such representatives are appointed by the state governments. In the case of Kuala Lumpur, the appointments are made by the federal government.

Maria said she would hold town hall meetings with Petaling Jaya residents prior to submitting the private member’s bill.

“I will meet residents in PJ to discuss local issues before drafting the bill,” she said.