Nga: Restoring local govt polls not priority for now

Restoring local government election is not the priority for the time being as the focus is on projects that benefit the rakyat, said Nga Kor Ming.

The housing and local government development minister said there is a “right time for everything”, alluding to a possible revival of local polls.

“Regarding this matter, my answer has always been consistent. The priority for the ministry is seven areas that were announced on the first day I was given the trust and responsibility as a minister.

“Our country is just recovering from political turmoil. Now, it is time to calm the political temperature and carry out works that benefit the rakyat,” the DAP leader told reporters after visiting the Bazar Rakyat in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, today.

He was asked to comment on the proposal by the Federal Territories DAP to reinstate local government election in the nation’s capital, following the recent cabinet reshuffle.

The call courted widespread backlash from political foes and friends alike, as well as a police report from the Federal Territories PAS Youth.

Nga stressed that he is “always in touch” with Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa over the matter.

Zaliha had previously pledged to hold discussions with Nga on the matter and pointed out that there are more pertinent issues that need to be prioritised, including governance of strata properties.

“It’s just been a year (since the coalition government came to power). It’s time to show you (the rakyat) the beginning of our success.

“Give me 10 years, and after I complete 50,000 public infrastructure projects, maybe that’s the right time,” Nga said, alluding to local government polls.

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