With the current call for elections in local councils, I think it is time for the voters to decide which party should be voted in to control the state assemblies.

If the government still thinks that local council members should be appointed by the ruling party to reward its supporters and not listen to the public's call to make them more accountable, then the best way is to vote in any party that supports local council elections.

The so-called study tours by local councils are a complete waste of public funds which should have been used to improve roads and drains, prevent floods, clear mosquito breeding grounds, enforce rules to clear road congestions, maintain good public parks and so on.

With the Internet facilities, what is there that cannot be learned from here? I thought we pride in being a showcase for other Third World countries to learn from. If there is a need for a specialist to study any specific new innovation or technology (which I cannot think of any) then let the specialist go alone.

The complaints relating to purchase of expensive equipment without apparent consideration for cheaper alternatives border on ludicrousness. In spite of our abundance in palm trees, we still prefer the electronic ones. The Ipoh mayor's explanation that the use of parking meters costing RM34,000 each has contributed income seems to sidestep the issue. Did it occur to him the use of cheaper alternative that could bring in even more revenue?

The Batu Gajah new bus station seems to be a result of poor planning. Now 80 percent of it is being occupied by a used car dealer and a furniture trader. I would rate the council 'F' for planning and 'A' for entrepreneurship! The new Plaza Batu Gajah has its red polycarbonate roof changed to blue (which could not have been cheap) apparently after complaints that those under it had a "red-face" look!

The antics of local councils have provided us with entertainment, if only, not at our expense!