SHAH ALAM: One of two men who were alleged to have criminal records has declined the post of councillor for the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ).

State executive councillor for local government, research and studies Ronnie Liu said the individual also declined to provide a statutory declaration to attest that he did not have a record.

"The individual did not provide an explanation and his name will be dropped."

A new candidate will be found to replace him.

Liu said he had already received a statutory declaration from the other man who had been nominated for the position. He will receive his appointment letter, with 286 others, who have been selected to serve as councillors.
The New Straits Times yesterday reported that a 50-year-old Parti Keadilan Rakyat representative had a previous conviction for robbery. Allegations against two others were unfounded.

The allegations first surfaced on Wednesday from a resident of Ampang, who claimed to be a former policeman.

He alleged two councillors had records for robbery while another had previously served time under preventive laws.

Liu said in future all those nominated as councillors would be required to sign statutory declarations to attest that they had no criminal records and were not bankrupt.

This will allow the state to remove those who have lied.

"This will act as a safeguard to prevent those who should be disqualified from accepting nominations."

Liu said the names of all councillors had been sent for vetting with the Anti-Corruption Agency, police and Bank Negara but the state had yet to receive a response.