Kuala Lumpur PSM chief A Geetha and PSM Youth treasurer Yazid Naim said the bill allows MPs to choose the nominees, while residents are limited to merely voting for those selected.
“This means the democratic process ends before the ballot even begins; when KL residents are denied the right to nominate themselves or other residents,” they said in a joint statement today.
“When politicians control who can run, the election becomes a competition among elites, not a mandate from the people.”
Geetha and Yazid warned that the system risks allowing political dominance by whichever party holds the most parliamentary seats in Kuala Limpur, reducing the councillor election to a symbolic exercise.
“It continues the practice of a ‘political’ KL mayor that is not chosen by residents, and (this bill) does not guarantee inclusivity, transparency, or representation of civil society.
“This will essentially reinforce the status quo of political influence within DBKL and work against the intention of reviving genuine local representation in governance,” they said.
Yesterday, the MPs from Pakatan Harapan, led by Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, submitted a private member’s bill, which calls for the introduction of a councillor system via amendments to the Federal Capital Act 1960.
The amendments follow recommendations by the Public Accounts Committee for reforms in DBKL’s management.
Nik Nazmi said the bill sought to introduce, among others, an additional clause in the Federal Capital Act for the establishment of a council, comprising representatives nominated by the MPs and chaired by the mayor.
Bring back local council elections
Geetha and Yazid said true reform lies in restoring local council elections, which would allow residents to elect councillors who understand and champion community issues, rather than corporate or elite interests.
They also argued that elected councillors would improve transparency in urban planning, budgeting, and development approvals to empower the people and decentralise political power.
For the record, Nik Nazmi has repeatedly called for the revival of local council elections, noting that PH championed this policy in its 2022 general election manifesto.