Local govt polls likely in three years, says minister
KUALA LUMPUR: Elections for local authorities may be implemented within the next three years. A study to ensure this will be carried out in six months’ time.
Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said the threeyear target was to allow the Pakatan Harapan government time to prioritise other important matters such as ensuring that the country’s financial position was stable.
“We have to look at the cost implications too,” she said after visiting the Pinggiran Bukit Jalil Transit Homes here on Friday.
Pakatan Harapan parties have pledged to reinstate local authorities elections – which were stopped in the 1960s – if they win Putrajaya.
“In the next six months, we will do a detailed study on this matter,” said Zuraida.
Such elections, she said, should be implemented because Malaysia was a democratic country, with the people having the right to not only choose their federal and state governments but local government as well.
“We may be able to implement this in stages,” Zuraida said.
Local authorities elections, she said, were also implemented in countries like Indonesia and South Korea.
On the issue of young people who reportedly found it difficult to obtain housing loans, Zuraida said talks with local banks had been initiated to find solutions.
“We understand that banks sometimes have strict rules for housing loans. So, we will try to present an initiative to help buyers while not adversely affecting the banks.” — Bernama