DAP: We'll win over PAS on local council polls

The local council elections issue resurfaced today although Pakatan Rakyat, in its common policy framework, has clearly played down the issue.

In his winding-up speech at the first Pakatan convention in Shah Alam, outspoken DAP stalwart Karpal Singh insisted on the re-introduction of local council elections and promised that his party will convince Pakatan partner, PAS, of the necessity for such a move.

The Islamic party had been reportedly against the idea for fearing that it could eventually marginalise the Malays, now dominating local administrations.

In the Pakatan policy unveiled today, 'local government democracy' was adopted as a substitute for local government polls.

"The documents, which were revealed this morning, are not made of stone. As we go along, we will be able to convince, in particular PAS, that local elections are necessary," said the practicing lawyer, flanked by both PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat and party president Abdul Hadi Awang.

Admitting that both DAP and PAS - which are known for their liberalism and conservatism respectively - Karpal said that the yawning gap between the two parties has been brought much closer by Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim.

"(Without him), we couldn't have got so close like we are today," said the wheelchair-bound Karpal to the cheers from the crowd.

The Bukit Gelugor MP also expressed confidence that "it was just a matter of time" before Pakatan reaches Putrajaya.

"And we will reach there sooner, rather than later. When we reach there, I hope to see you all there together, along with the people," added Karpal to the approval of the 1,500-strong audience.

Don't worry about race...

Earlier in her policy, DAP assemblyperson Hannah Yeoh (left) expressed concerns over the issues surrounding local government elections.

She said that political leaders should not worry about who would be elected.

"Don't worry who is going to be elected or about the racial composition because when elections are held, it will make the councillors work harder and this wil automatically improve the productivity of the local government," she said.

The Subang Jaya state representative further urged Pakatan to return the third vote to the people as promised in its election manifesto should they win federal power.

"Local governments collect millions in taxes every year, but the people still do not have their own voices about who should lead them," said Hannah, adding that local council polls would ensure transparency, accountability and kill off cronyism.

"The polls could also improve the quality of the municipal councillors and the best candidate will win. Don't worry about the Chinese or Indian who might win... people have moved away from such fears," added Yeoh.

Anwar: Pakatan not against local council polls

At a press conference later, PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim denied that the coalition was against holding local government elections.

Preferring to call it the “local democratic process”, Anwar said a committee will be formed soon to establish the boundaries of local municipalities, the election process and a method to ensure adequate representation.

“The mechanics must first be established,” said Anwar, who said the disagreement among the three parties were confined to the technical aspects of holding local polls.

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