7 MPs from PH submit private bill for DBKL councillor system

In August, PAC proposed appointing council members to DBKL to strengthen checks and balances in government land development in the capital.

PETALING JAYA: Seven Pakatan Harapan (PH) MPs today submitted a private member’s bill calling for the introduction of a councillor system in Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) via amendments to the Federal Capital Act 1960.

Led by PKR’s Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the MPs said they were proposing the amendments following recommendations by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for reforms in DBKL’s management.

Nik Nazmi, a former natural resources, energy, and climate change minister, said the bill sought to introduce, among others, an additional clause in the Federal Capital Act for the establishment of a council, comprising representatives nominated by the MPs and chaired by the mayor.

“A practical path towards greater democratisation in Kuala Lumpur is to implement PAC’s recommendation for a councillor system, where the mayor will be first among equals with councillors,” he told reporters during a joint press conference in Parliament today.

Nik Nazmi also said that the bill, which they hope will be tabled this year, did not propose other major changes to the Federal Capital Act.

In August, PAC proposed appointing council members to DBKL to strengthen checks and balances in government land development in the capital, noting that the role of the Federal Territory Advisory Board was limited.

Nik Nazmi said the bill aligned with PH’s manifesto for the 15th general election which pledged to “empower democracy and transparency in DBKL through systematic methods”, noting that 10 out of 11 MPs in Kuala Lumpur are from PH.

He also described the bill as “inclusive”, saying it ensured that the voices of residents in the capital city would be represented in DBKL, even in the event that the majority of MPs in Kuala Lumpur are from the opposition.

Separately, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok said the voices of Kuala Lumpur MPs had traditionally been under-represented as they did not have roles in DBKL.

Citing the controversy over the land deal near the Kampong Bohol retention pond, Kok said the current system prevented them from voicing the concerns of their constituents. She expressed hope that the bill would rectify the issue.

Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai said the backbenchers had brought up the same suggestion to federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa but that the discussion failed to yield any fruitful results, leading them to submit the private member’s bill.

“We hope this bill will be tabled soon, or at least taken seriously by the minister, because it will enhance accountability and transparency in DBKL.”