Minister sidesteps 'JPP to reward BN backers' claim
The move to establish Residents' Representatives Committees (JPP) in cities has led to the allegation that it will serve as a mechanism to reward BN supporters.
But when the question was posed to Urban Well Being, Housing and Local Government Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan, he refused to be drawn into an argument.
The move to establish Residents' Representatives Committees (JPP) in cities has led to the allegation that it will serve as a mechanism to reward BN supporters.
But when the question was posed to Urban Well Being, Housing and Local Government Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan, he refused to be drawn into an argument.
Instead, he directed the question at the opposition.
"If you start asking that question, it will never end,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby.
“I can ask the same question (to the opposition). Are BN and Umno leaders part of local councils (which come under the purview of Pakatan Rakyat state governments)," he said.
Abdul Rahman stressed that his expectation of the JPP was "simple" and the main criteria would be that it must comprise credible leaders.
The minister also denied that the JPP, which would come into affect next January, would render local councils redundant.
He was responding to allegations that JPP would cut into the powers of local councils.
He argued that the JPP, which was introduced in the 2014 budget with a RM63 million allocation, would help urban residents get "in touch" directly with the federal government.
"JPP does not have enforcement powers. It will comprise federal agencies in respective areas because issues such as education and healthcare still come under the federal government," he added.
Abdul Rahman said that urban issues are not the "absolute right" of local councils, and added that the JPPs must be seen as a completing element to help local councils execute their duties effectively.
"The issues must be solved by the local council, state government, and federal government respectively," he said.
"I give an assurance that the allocation to local councils will not be affected," he added.
Abdul Rahman also said the establishment of JPP would not be against the Federal Constitution because it would not possess enforcement powers.
"We have spoken to the AG about this and he has said that since it does not have enforcement powers, it is not (against the constitution)," he said.
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