The newly-minted Urban Well-being, Housing and Local Government Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan today gave the thumbs down to the demands of the Penang and Selangor state governments to revive local government elections, arguing that it might weaken the performance of local councils.

During a press conference today after attending a briefing by the Fire and Rescue Department, the Kota Belud MP said local government elections are not the only way to have capable leaders in local councils.

For example, he said, strict criteria and high key performance index can be used to select capable and professional individuals for the job of council chairperson.

“In certain situations, local government elections can weaken the performance of town councils, district councils and others.

“If the persons elected are only popular but incapable in carrying out their duties, eventually we would be forced to deal with them for two or three years during their tenure.

“But if they are appointed, we can take action immediately. If he performs badly in six months, the government can interfere and replace him,” he explained.

NONE However, Abdul Rahman ( second from right ) said that is only his personal view, and he will consult various stakeholders before bringing the issue to the cabinet.

Asked whether the federal government will stop the Penang and Selangor state governments from restoring the local government elections, he did not respond directly but pointed out that the Local Government Elections Act 1960 has been abolished, and therefore BN has to follow the laws.

He pointed out that not all Malaysians accept Pakatan Rakyat’s proposal to restore local elections as BN has won the general election without giving the same promise.

This proposal, although is an important issue, will not be the priority of his ministry as it has many other issues to address, Abdul Rahman added.

He also expressed the concern that too many political elections will affect the progress of the country.

“When are we going to develop our country if we are always politicking and having elections?

“I know, if I say so, the opposition would say I am anti-democracy, but as I said just now, it has pros and cons,” he added.

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