New MPs to push for elected KL mayor

New MPs to push for elected KL mayor

Posted by kasee

Wednesday, 12 March 2008

KUALA LUMPUR: An elected mayor for the city as well as elections for all local councils -- that's on the agenda of two newly-elected MPs in the federal capital. "People can then vote out the mayor and other advisers if the authority is ineffective," said DAP national deputy chairman Dr Tan Seng Giaw. At present, the heads of local authorities are appointed by the menteris besar or the Federal Territories Minister in the case of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan. Dr Tan, the seven-term MP for Kepong, said local council elections were held in countries such as Britain, US and China and had been found to be effective. Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique, the only Barisan Nasional candidate to be elected in the 11 seats in Kuala Lumpur, was the Federal Territories Minister in the previous government. Pas Titiwangsa MP Dr Lo'Lo' Ghazali wants a stronger voice in local councils and to solve land title problems in her constituency. "I will push for the opposition to be given councillor and advisory posts. This is to ensure checks and balances in the implementation of policies." Dr Lo' Lo' said she would also speak to her Pas counterparts in Kedah and Kelantan about instituting local council elections in these states. She said she would also seek representation for all races and non-governmental organisations in local councils. Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun wants more policemen on the streets to make the city safer. "The crime rate has been high and we do not see policemen patrolling the streets which should be the case." Batu MP Chua Tian Chang, better known as Tian Chua, said other than being vigilant on the present mayor's performance, he would also be looking into other issues, including those affecting longhouse residents. "Some of the residents have been staying in these cramped homes for over 20 years. It is not healthy," he said. Wangsa Maju MP Wee Choo Keong called for better enforcement to get rid of illegal hawkers. Illegal foreigners, responsible for the increase in crime, should also be nabbed, he added. - NST