Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department M Kayveas's earlier criticisms of the local governments were welcomed by all because of his being with the BN. It gave us reassurance that there are self-criticisms by BN leaders.

Now, he has suggested that more councillors should be appointed from PPP and it strikes us that he has a vested interest in being critical after all.

Then we have a former Kajang local council chief, Muhd Khusrin Munawi, who said that Malays are outnumbered in city and municipal communities and therefore will lose out if there were local elections.

It clearly shows the kind of narrow-mindedness which we are face with in almost every sector. Instead of letting democracy find the most popular councillors, the question of race comes first.

It is a case of 'heads they win, tails we lose' situation which only benefits one race. We have the majority race running the country. Yet, where local councils consist of more non-Malays, they are not allowed the chance to be elected. I am sure a proper election will produce capable leaders regardless of race.

Is it because - like in the past in Penang and Ipoh - opposition candidates were elected? Or is it because the system of rewarding BN leaders who fail to be selected as candidates for state or parliamentary seats works too well to give up?

When are we, the public, going to get our right to elect local councilors after more than 40 years of wasteful expenditure right before our eyes?

The Auditor-General's annual report highlighted unbelievable mismanagement, if not, outright corrupt practices. Yet the ritual goes on without major improvement.

Is it not obvious to our prime minister and cabinet ministers that the system of government is seriously flawed in not being able to overcome simple accountability? Surely, someone is responsible for each mismanagement. Can we have the names of culprits and whether action has been taken against them?

In fact, the system should be pro-active with constant monitoring of what is going on and efficient internal audits to ensure proper procedures are followed.

One problem could be too much political interference, yet civil servants are unable to voice out on this because of their pledge of loyalty and the Official Secrets Act.

If, after 48 years of Independence we are unable to produce an efficient civil service, please forget about sending Malaysians to the moon.