Restoring local council elections not our immediate focus, says Nga

Newly minted Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming today stressed that restoring local council elections will not be the immediate focus of his ministry.

"What is important is, as I said just now, that at this stage I had listed seven main issues (for the ministry to focus on). Let us execute them first to ensure the people's welfare is prioritised,” he said during a press conference after he clocked in at his office to begin his official duties as a minister.

Nga (above) was asked by the media if there was any suggestion to restore the local council elections.

The seven issues he revealed are:

1. Strengthen local government for more efficient service

2. Assist the local government to be financially independent

3. More comprehensive housing planning

4. Empower the community for playing a better role in local development

5. More efficient solid waste management, by improving waste-to-energy management

6. Uphold smart city and safe city agenda

7. Enhance the preparedness of the Fire and Rescue Department

On whether the housing policy would remain under his ministry, Nga said everything will be finalised tomorrow morning during the cabinet meeting.

The minister also explained that the appointment of deputy ministers will be finalised and announced soon by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Nga said he will support Anwar's decision on cutting down the cabinet's monthly salary by 20 percent and follow the no-gift policy.

"I have instructed all 155 local governments in Malaysia to strengthen their fundamental services immediately, such as clearing garbage, weeds, drains and so on.

"It doesn't seem very important, but these are things that are closest to the people's hearts," said the Teluk Intan MP.

Hadi against local council election

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang had opposed the restoration of local council elections, arguing that some of the cities are dominated by DAP Chinese, and alleged they will make alcohol and gambling permissible.

Although DAP had been advocating bringing back the local council elections and even included it in their manifesto during GE12, it was not listed in Pakatan Harapan's manifesto for GE15.

Local council elections began in 1951 but were terminated in 1965 by the federal government during the time of the Malaysia-Indonesia Confrontation.

Local councillors are currently appointed by respective state governments.

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