The public has long complained about local authority service delivery. There are now suggestions that the people would be happier with elected councils.

Being elected does not necessarily make councillors more competent, nor do elections improve the work attitudes of council staff.

Yet, the trend may be towards elected councils. We no longer have a single party monopolising politics and government.

State and national governments could now be working at cross-purposes. Political parties risk being unfairly blamed for local problems they cannot resolve.

As a result, they may find it simpler to opt for elected councils, starting with urban districts where public scrutiny is most intense.

A related issue is the shortage of funds to meet public needs. Could it be that expanding bureaucracies are eating into ratepayer money meant for public services?

Malaysian local authorities no longer offer services still done by counterparts worldwide, like supply of water, electricity, sewerage and fire services. This, together with productivity improvements, should have more than offset the demands of growing population.

So, local bureaucracies should have shrunk substantially. Or is it the other way around? The question is urgent in view of the government's heavy financial burden.

Should not government trim its own fat before asking the public to give up subsidies?