Local elections blocked by state govt fear of losing revenue, says Muda

Malaysian Deputy President Zaidel Baharuddin, from the Muda party, argued for introducing directly elected mayors in Kuala Lumpur as a pilot project for local democracy. State governments, he claimed, fear losing revenue if local councils become elected as their revenue primarily comes from property assessment taxes, licences, and other fees. Local councils also execute state policies on land use and development.

Baharuddin noted that opposition to local elections is not exclusive to Barisan Nasional, but is shared by political parties on both sides. He suggested that state governments face constitutional and financial constraints, making local councils crucial sources of revenue and tools for implementing state policies. However, when mayors are not elected, they are not accountable to the people, Baharuddin argued.

He proposed that Kuala Lumpur residents, who can currently vote for MPs but have no representation at the state level, should be given a directly elected mayor. This would allow for electoral competition and increased accountability. Baharuddin dismissed concerns about election complexity, proposing voter eligibility verification through property assessment receipts or utility bills showing two to three years of residency for tenants.

A senior lecturer at Universiti Malaya's public policy institute, Helmi Abu Yahya, attributed the absence of local council elections to a lack of political will among ruling parties. Malaysia lacks dedicated independent bodies to monitor local government performance and advocate for municipal reform, he added. Public turnout at town hall meetings is low, making it difficult for working residents to attend and participate in planning and zoning meetings.