Politicians may head councils in Selangor too

New Straits Times, 6 January 2009

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government is also considering appointing politicians to head local councils.

Local Government, Research and Development Committee chairman Ronnie Liu said the state was discussing whether to follow Penang and Perak's lead on this.

"We are not in a hurry to replace people (local council chairmen) but if necessary, we may change them.

"In May last year, we took all local council heads to Singapore to learn their strengths and told them to change their attitude.

"If by next year, there is no improvement, then it is still not too late for us to appoint party people," Liu said.
Asked if appointing politicians would give rise to corruption and abuse of power, Liu said it would not happen if the right person was appointed.

Currently, the state government does not allow a state assemblyman or member of parliament to be a local councillor to prevent conflict of interest.

Bukit Rawang Jaya Residents' Association president M. Ramuseren said he would support politicians to head local councils only if they were elected.

"The state government has to hold an election for local council chairmen and local councillors.

"If they are appointed, they would be useless," he said.

Klang Consumers Association president A. Devadass agreed: "If they are appointed, they couldn't care less about the people's plight as they are not answerable to the public and only answerable to the government."

On another matter, Liu said the Parti Keadilan Rakyat assemblyman who was reportedly "missing in action" must explain his absence.

"There are many programmes where his services are needed and if people can't see him it would be difficult for them to receive the aid."

It was reported yesterday that Liu went to the assemblyman's house in Klang but he was not at home.