SHAH ALAM, 23 Dec: The Selangor Government has been proposed to choose Mayors and Council Presidents (YDP) of Local Authorities in the state to be among individuals chosen by the people through elections.
The Member of Parliament for Shah Alam, Khalid Samad, said that those chosen by the people are more aware and concerned about the problems of the people compared to Mayors of YDPs chosen through the appointment of the Public Service Department (JPA).
“There are Mayors that do not care if their decisions could negatively impact the people’s lives. They just do as they please because they were not elected by the people. Even if the people are angry, it does not affect them. They do not care.
“For them as long as they are close to the Federal Government and the State Government, it is enough. They do not care if the people are angry because it is not the people that voted them,” Khalid said in a press conference at his office here in Section 13 today.
In addition, he has also found that there are Mayors and YDPs that make decisions that are not consistent with policies introduced by the State Government.
Khalid added that the selection could be made through local elections or by choosing someone form the area’s State Legislative Assembly Members (Assemblymen).
“The Local Councillors Election is not only centred on the selection of Council Members, but even Mayors can be elected through this election.
“If an election to choose a Mayor cannot be held at this time, the State Government may appoint an Assemblyman.
“Or others, such as a Member of Parliament as a Mayor because they better understand that the people have the power to change Mayors if they are not satisfied,” added Khalid.
He said that Assemblymen appointed should have won at one State Legislative Assembly in the Local Authority involved, with regard to not hold any other office in the State Government.
“We would get a more responsive and responsible Mayor on any decision and new policies implemented by Local Authorities or the State Government,” said Khalid.
