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

Muda deputy president Zaidel Baharuddin proposed introducing a directly elected mayor for Kuala Lumpur as a pilot project for local democracy, amid opposition from state governments fearing losing revenue. State governments have limited powers of taxation, while local councils generate revenue through property assessment taxes, licences, and other fees.

They also play a key role in implementing state policies, including those related to land use and development. Zaidel believes that electoral competition could improve accountability and governance, despite concerns about the complexity of organising local elections.

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