Kua said Bersih should be driving the push for local council elections, and that there was no reason the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led federal government could not revive the practice.

Although the previous opposition alliance Pakatan Rakyat had promised to reinstate local elections, PH made no such pledge in its manifesto for the 14th general election last year.

It only stated that the coalition would “strengthen local democracy”.

Kua, a former MP, rejected the idea that local elections should remain banned for fear of racial conflicts. He also dismissed arguments involving the cost of holding local elections given the government’s financial situation.

“In 1952, Kuala Lumpur had its first local council election. It was also the first election in the country. In 1959, local council elections were held nationwide.

“In 1957, the gross domestic product per capita stood at US$800; today it is US$10,000. We are so much richer now, so we cannot say that we do not have the money to host local elections.”

He said Hong Kong had still held local elections even in the midst of political turmoil and chaos.

He added that the racial make-up of local councillors should not matter as they would be judged by their performance.

He also said he believed patronage was behind the resistance to local council elections.

“Political parties can appoint whoever they want as councillors. It’s convenient for them, but without independent councillors there’s no accountability or checks and balance.”