Tricia Yeoh of University of Nottingham Malaysia’s School of Politics and International Relations said the real reason for low service delivery is not the lack of representation, but the state executive’s tight control over development funds, planning authority, and local governance.
“Despite the large number of seats held by Gabungan Parti Sarawak in the assembly (76 of 82), local service delivery in Sibu and other areas remains stagnant due to state-level bottlenecks, not due to lack of representation,” she told FMT.
She said that according to Sarawak’s Local Authority Ordinance 1996, local councils do not possess planning power, but are “merely a state agent providing housekeeping services to residents”.
“While Sarawak attempts to undertake development planning, it is hobbled by the fact that any land planning or development application must go through the state planning authority instead of the relevant local authorities.
“Fairer apportionment may enhance political equity, but unless structural reforms empower local councils with planning, budgeting and human resources authority, the service delivery will remain stifled,” she said.
The Sarawak legislative assembly recently passed a bill to increase the number of seats in the assembly from 82 to 99.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Fadillah Yusof said the added seats mean there will be more elected representatives for rural areas, which would allow for the voices of the local community to be heard when it comes to formulating policies.
On July 13, Miri MP Chiew Choon Man said he did not reject enhanced representation, but questioned if adding the 17 new seats was an “effective, transparent and fiscally responsible way” to strengthen public service.
He said local leaders and municipal councillors were already actively involved in community service, and state resources would be better used to increase their allowances and provide the necessary tools and training.
Local elections, the ‘natural next step’
Yeoh also said local council elections would be the “natural next step” if the state’s move to increase state seats is aimed at empowering local councils.
“If GPS is serious about charting a way forward that demonstrates leadership different from its counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia, it should take up the first step in conducting local council elections, which is the best way of achieving local accountability,” she said.
Thomas Fann, chairman of political reform group Engage, said local council elections would enhance accountability and give ratepayers a voice over their own area.
“Local issues are best handled by locally elected councillors who are on the ground daily, far better than an assemblyman who should be focused on state affairs,” he said.
However, he said there was “zero possibility” the state government would be willing to hold municipal elections.
“It is unlikely that any party as dominant as GPS would risk allowing the opposition to gain control of local councils, especially in the urban centres,” he said.