FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MESSAGE FOR FEDERAL TERRITORIES DAY
1 FEBRUARY 2014
2014 marks the sixth year of Federal Territory Day celebrations for me as an elected Member of Parliament in Kuala Lumpur; and true to its history; this day is celebrated not only by people of Kuala Lumpur, but also residents of Labuan, and Putrajaya.
The Federal Government had reasoned four decades ago that Kuala Lumpur would be better governed under it – this then became the governing reality following the abolishment of local elections in 1965.
As a representative who belongs in a political pact, which garnered an overwhelming 67 percent support during the last general elections, I cannot help but reflect on the state of democratic affairs during this auspicious day.
First, moving on from our nascent beginnings almost four decades ago, the people of Kuala Lumpur has increasingly lost their decision making clout with regards to their rights, services, and amenities in the city.
An appointed mayor finalizes concessions in basic services – namely garbage collection and sewage treatment, and most recently slapped the people of Kuala Lumpur with an assessment hike. Whilst objection hearings are currently taking place, most expect the DBKL led valuation to stay, considering the unilateral decision by the Federal Government to reduce assessment rates from 6% to 4% for residential properties, and from 12% to 10% for commercial properties. This unilateral reduction fails to address the more fundamental need in safeguarding transparency in the assessment process itself. Or whether the local authorities have the right to increasing assessment rates without an improvement in service.
The current reality is a far cry from the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry on Local Authorities, set up in June 1965. This commission, also known as the Nahappan Commission, was strongly in support of a body of elected councils.
Having your very own elected councillors allows you to channel grievances in a proper three tier democratic structure – federal, state and local authority. The Mayor’s powers, as well as those of his top echelon would be in check, and greater scrutiny given to how our budget is being spent year after year.
Secondly, if it isn’t for better governance structure, why should we maintain the current federally appointed Mayor system versus returning local council elections?
Many have forgotten that Kuala Lumpur was part of Selangor – up until the fateful 1969 elections where a hung parliament left the Alliance Party with only 14 out of 28 seats in the state assembly. Thus, Kuala Lumpur was annexed to the Federal Government in February of 1974, thereby ensuring Selangor was always in safe hands.
As we celebrate the Federal Territories Day today it is important for us to look for ways to ensure the city is better and more efficiently governed.
As we celebrate the 40th year of Federal Territories day it is crucial to ensure Kuala Lumpur escapes a politically tainted decision making which leaves the city very much in the hands of political appointees; thereby taking away the rights of Kuala Lumpur residents to a state government, with regularly reported and transparent Budgets to alleviate the concern of the average person in Kuala Lumpur. After all, isn’t Putrajaya now the official capital city of Malaysia?
Celebrate Federal Territory Day by reminding the Federal Government that there shall be no taxation without representation; especially considering it has been 40 years already!
Happy 40th; FT!
Nurul Izzah Anwar
Vice President of People’s Justice Party
Member of Parliament Lembah Pantai
