DAP has thrown its support behind M Kayveas, the deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department, who had called for local council elections to be re-introduced.

Secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said elections would keep a check on corruption, inefficiency and lack of professionalism.

"Only elected local government councils can ensure accountability, transparency and corruption-free services that are professional, efficient and effective in serving the public," he said in a statement.

"An elected council answerable to the people is the only solution and not the present 'rubber stamp' appointed local councils that operate like secret societies."

Lim was responding to Kayveas' weekend salvo on local councils which had received widespread media coverage.

The People's Progressive Party president had left top officials in some councils fuming when he likened their decision making processes to that of triads.

He described the councils as 'tax collecting agencies' and also criticised them for spending more than their income. He cited, as an example, the annual study tours abroad by councillors, which he claimed were of no benefit.

Agreeing, Lim said the councils could put the money allotted for trips abroad to better use, such as fighting the dengue menace.

Quoting Health Minister Dr Chua Soi Lek, he said statistics revealed that 80 percent of dengue cases fell within the jurisdiction of local authorities.

"Clearly, local authorities have failed to deliver or carry out their basic duty to look after the hygiene and safety of neighbourhoods," Lim added.

Political reward

Another DAP leader, MP for Bandar Kuching Chong Chieng Jen, said the appointment of councillors is based on favouritism.

"Under the present system where councillors and board members to local governments are nominated by various Barisan Nasional (BN) parties, appointments are not based on competency but more on favouritism and loyalty to BN," he said in a statement.

He said these appointment to these posts has become a form of political reward for supporting the ruling coalition.

In view of this, he called on Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to seriously consider restoring local government elections.

Chong, who is also DAP Youth deputy chief, said the inefficiency of the councils was also hampering business development.

Local councils are responsible for regulating many related activities, such as issuing licences, approving building plans and development projects, and town planning.

Without mincing his words, the MP said local governments were among the most corrupt government agencies.

He added that they operated 'behind closed doors' without the involvement of non-governmental organisations and state assemblypersons.