Kuala Lumpur Mayor Election Proposal Still Premature, Not Yet Discussed by Cabinet, Says Fahmi
PUTRAJAYA: The proposal to introduce an election for the Kuala Lumpur mayor has not been discussed at Cabinet level and remains at an early study stage, said Communications Minister and Unity Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil.
He said there is currently no necessity or formal recommendation to table the proposal, as it is still based on an academic study that has yet to be finalised.
“At this stage, there is nothing to present because what was mentioned earlier was only a preliminary study that has not been submitted to the Cabinet,” he told reporters today.
Fahmi explained that the research was conducted by the Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (IIUM) and is still undergoing initial evaluation.
He stressed that the Cabinet has not deliberated on the matter as the study has not reached a level of maturity suitable for policy consideration.
He was responding to calls by Perikatan Nasional chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan, who urged the government to table and debate the proposal in Parliament.
While welcoming the suggestion, Fahmi said all proposals must go through proper institutional procedures before being elevated to Cabinet discussions.
He added that the issue could first be raised during the upcoming Minister’s Question Time session to allow further clarification.
Previously, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said her ministry was studying the feasibility of mayoral elections as a way to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
However, Fahmi reiterated that the study remains at a preliminary stage and is not yet ready to be translated into government policy.
Meanwhile, Takiyuddin had questioned the need to change the existing appointment system, noting that it has functioned effectively under the Federal Capital Act 1960 for more than six decades.
Political analysts believe that introducing an elected mayor would require extensive legal amendments and administrative reforms, making thorough assessment essential before any decision is made.
-wilayah.com.my
