Housing and Local Government Minister Ong Ka Ting sidestepped a challenge from a veteran opposition leader on reinstating local government elections.

In a supplementary question during Question time in the Dewan Rakyat today, Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor, photo ) asked if the minister was "bold enough" to revive the system as has been advocated over the years.

"It is not a question of being bold, this is a question of suitability and whether the current system is efficient or otherwise," Ong said.

"The government feels that the present system works well. Our situation is different from that of other countries. We have our own system. We feel the current system is still suitable and sufficient."

Advocates for restoration of local government polls - suspended in the 1960s - have argued that the 'appointment system' is based on favouritism and does not check corruption, inefficiency and lack of professionalism in local councils.

Earlier, Ong said his ministry has no plans to propose that state governments should appoint all Barisan Nasional parliamentarians as local councillors in every constituency to facilitate their duties as representatives of the people.

"The appointment of councillors is fully under the jurisdiction of state governments under Section 10 of the Local Government Act 1976," Ong told Mohd Daud Tarihep (BN-Kuala Selangor).

'Building confidence'

In another matter, Deputy Foreign Minister Joseph Salang Gandum said there have been no new negotiations between Malaysia and Singapore over outstanding bilateral issues.

Replying Mohamed Aziz (BN-Sri Gading), he said the cabinet had agreed on April 12 to stop negotiations with Singapore over the construction of a new bridge to replace the causeway.

"With the decision, Singapore's request for the (sale of) sand and opening up the Malaysian airspace for its air force no longer arises," he said.

"At present, no new negotiations are planned to resolve outstanding issues including the review of the price of raw water and points of agreement involving KTM (Malayan Railway) land in Singapore."

He noted that both countries are of the opinion that it is currently more important to build confidence to foster bilateral ties via co-operation in various fields.