KUALA LUMPUR: Political appointees on City Hall’s (DBKL) Advisory Board can remain if they can prove they have expertise that benefits the local council.
Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad said that he had identified at least seven political appointees among the advisory members.
“I have not set a specific time frame for them to resign. They should know when to resign on their own. We want board members who have expertise and can contribute to the development of Kuala Lumpur,” Khalid said, adding that DBKL’s organisational structure would be revamped.
He said this was to ensure that the people’s representatives were involved directly in its affairs, in particular the decision-making process.
He said the involvement of members of parliament was the first phase in a process that would eventually lead to local council elections being held.
“We will also reshuffle the Resident Representative Council to ensure that council members are eligible and can assist elected representatives in DBKL,” added Khalid.
“City folk need to understand local council elections and DBKL’s role, but this cannot be done in the first 100 days of the Pakatan Harapan government.
“Maybe it will take three or five years, or maybe it could be an issue in the 15th General Election.
“I hope the concept of local council elections will be accepted within the next five years without fear and the racial element.”
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