Elections will not stem the rot in local governments, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department M Kayveas said today.

"People think that if we change from appointing to electing (officials), this problem can be solved. The problem cannot be solved," he told a press conference at the Parliament lobby.

He noted that the problem lies with the system and not individuals.

"It's not corruption of humans, it's the corruption of the system."

The deputy minister said the issue could be resolved if local councils maintained a proper system.

"We have an attitude where we allow something to happen, a few people die then we start making comments and start looking at this and that. Why can't we have an attitude to work throughout the year so that this sort of things don't happen?"

"If you are in your air-conditioned room or your golf course all the time, then you would not know what's happening on the ground. Then all these statements will not make sense."

He said local authorities should be with the grassroots in order to understand the situation on the ground.

Kayveas said his remarks were not aimed at insulting or attacking any individual, but to push for genuine change, and that those concerned should accept criticism constructively.

Royal commission

On the same note, he said the government should look at the possibility of forming a royal commission of inquiry on local councils.

"It is probably time to look at the possibility if the prime minister, cabinet and Parliament can be convinced it is a good idea," he said.

Kayveas said local councils must change according to the times.

"Amendments to the laws are expected soon to ensure there is improvement in local governance," he added.

Kayveas had recently stirred a hornet's nest when he likened local councils to secret societies.

However, he later clarified that what he meant was that these councils were run in a clandestine manner.