The Coalition of NGOs and Professional Appointed Councillors (Conpac) wants the Selangor government to ensure transparency in the appointment of local councillors.

memo to suhakam immigration ban 140907 tan jo hann “This is in the spirit of transparency and accountability in the pursuit of achieving a truly democratic and transparent local government, in line with the recent announcement of the Selangor government’s adoption of the integrity pact,” said Conpac chairperson Tan Jo Hann (left) .

Early this month, Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim revealed the adoption of an Integrity Index and an Integrity Pact, for a "cleaner and corruption-free administration".

The announcement followed heavy criticism of Khalid for failing to tackle corruption in the state.

Conpac listed four recommendations in the appointment process:

  • To maintain the 25 percent quota for NGO and professional candidates

  • To include two carefully chosen members from a credible civil society body on the committee to vet through and finalise the list of appointees

  • To publicly publish the background and details of all candidates considered for appointment and make publicly available the performance assessment of each councillor

  • To provide a channel for the public to view, comment and give feedback on candidates to ensure public participation in the appointment process
The coalition also called on both the Selangor and federal governments to reinstate local council elections.

Conpac was formed last year and comprises representatives of NGOs, professionals and academicians who have served as local councillors.