I refer to the malaysiakini report Tearful Zakaria tells why he needs mansion . Zakaria Mohd Deros can cry all he wants but I am sure the majority of the rakyat, especially those in his Port Klang constituency, know very well that it is just mere crocodile tears.

I have been following the expose of his misdemeanour in the press and I am glad to note that some of our reporters are now able to carry out investigative journalism without any fear or favour.

Even though Zakaria has been caught red-handed for flouting the laws and regulations of the local authority, it may be just the tip of an iceberg. I hope to see, in time, more of these appointed councillors being hauled up for similar offences.

The fact that all local councillors are political appointees is already a slap in the face for democracy. Ratepayers are denied the right to elect their own councillors. Why is the government of the day so afraid of having local council elections?

Even, if local council elections do not materialise in the near future, wouldn't it be prudent for the government to appoint suitable people from the local community - who are qualified in their own chosen field - to sit as councillors rather than having ill-qualified politicians who are often obligated to their political masters for nominating them?

I am sure there are many members from the various relevant NGOs, associations and community bodies who can do a much better job than these political appointees who seem merely to be 'yes men" during council meetings for reasons best known to them.

Recently, at a crime prevention dialogue session organised by an NGO with the residents association of my housing estate, there was a request by a resident for more street lights to be installed at the entrance of my area. The councillor present requested that we write to him and he will look into it.

This is a clear-cut case of bureaucracy at work. Why can't the councillors or our honourable MPs and state assemblypersons 'turun padang' a bit and see for themselves the problems faced by the people whom they are supposed to serve.

Incidentally, I also haven't seen the face of the assemblyperson for my area except for during the last general elections when posters of his 'friendly' face were hung everywhere in the neighbourhood.

What a nice way to earn a 'gaji buta' at the taxpayers' expense.