Kuala Lumpur was declared a "Federal Territory" exactly three decades ago tomorrow. The federal government reasoned that Kuala Lumpur, as the federal capital, would be better governed when placed under its direct rule. Malaysia was initially conceived as a three-tier democracy with elected federal, state and local authority. (Local elections are not held since 1965). In contrast to the residents of other states in the country who elect their federal and state representatives, the 1.3 million KL residents only have the right to elect a ten-member delegation (eleven for the coming elections) to the federal parliament.

As we commemorate Federal Territory Day, I would like to examine three issues to support the argument that the residents of KL should no longer be deprived of their right to elect a sub-national government.