Malay traders join chorus of criticism against local govt polls proposal
Local Malay traders’ groups have joined those against reviving local government election as proposed by DAP’s Tan Kok Wai.
Malaysian Federation of Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders’ Association information chief Mohamad Abdullah said an engagement session will be set with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa to voice their objection.
Local Malay traders’ groups have joined those against reviving local government election as proposed by DAP’s Tan Kok Wai.
Malaysian Federation of Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders’ Association information chief Mohamad Abdullah said an engagement session will be set with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa to voice their objection.
“We will pay a visit to the federal territories minister and, God willing, we will bring this matter to all states,” Mohamad (above, centre) said in a press conference in front of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall building today.
Also present were representatives from the Malaysian Federation of Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders’ Association as well as Federal Territory Malay Hawkers’ and Petty Traders’ Association.
On Dec 17, Tan, who is also Federal Territories DAP chief, suggested restoring local government election, starting with Kuala Lumpur, to give locals a democratic say in how the capital city is run.
The proposal was met by pushback from conservatives in Umno, PAS, and Bersatu - who argued that local government election would result in racial tensions due to DAP’s “dominance” in such polls.
Zaliha, on Dec 19, said discussions on the proposal to revive local council election would be held with Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Free Malaysia Today quoted Zaliha as reiterating her views that there are other matters to be prioritised, but added she did not rule out the importance of such elections.
However, Nga reportedly said today that local council election is not the priority of his ministry at the moment. Instead, he said the focus should be on the people’s wellbeing.
‘Waste of time, money’
Speaking to reporters today, Mohamad slammed Tan’s suggestion as a waste of time and expenses, in light of the current economy.
“We already have MPs and residents’ associations. They can help voice the people’s woes. There is no need for local council polls to appoint leaders.
“Besides, there are already councilors in each local council, as well as advisory boards in each parliamentary constituency,” he justified.
Mohamad, who is also Malaysian Federation of Malay Hawkers’ and Petty Traders’ Association president, said the Malay traders’ groups were of the opinion that the revival of local council election will be against the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara – kesopanan dan kesusilaan (courtesy and morality).
“The revival of the local council polls will cause confusion and anxiety among the people.
“If there are such polls, we are confident that only one single race who resides in the city will dominate the local elections,” he said.
READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | Local governments and elections
The last time Malaysia held a local council election was in 1963. The next round, which was supposed to be held the following year, was suspended.
The temporary suspension became permanent in 1976, when Parliament passed the Local Government Act resulting in the abolishment of local government election altogether and only provided for the appointment of local councillors.
