No room for individuals with ‘tainted image’ in Melaka councils

MELAKA: Melaka is taking seriously allegations by citizens that gangsters, drunkards and individuals with criminal records have been appointed as local councillors.

State Housing, Local Government and Environment committee chairman Tey Kok Kiew said these individuals would be shown the door if the accusations were indeed true.

“I promise to act if there is evidence,” he told The Star.

Tey said the state government did not want any individual with a “tainted image” to be a part of its administration.

“I also intend to query those who recommended their names,” he added.

Tey was commenting on viral social media messages that alleged gangsters, criminals and a con man from Seremban were appointed councillors in four local councils in the state last week.

It was alleged that taxi and excavator drivers were also made councillors.

Voice messages from individuals claiming to represent various NGOs slammed the choice of several local councillors, saying they were unfit for the position.

To this, Tey said the state government did not discriminate against people based on their status, gender or race.

“I don’t see anything wrong in appointing a driver as long as he can deliver,” he added.

He said it was also an unprecedented move as the role of NGOs were recognised by the new state government.

On Monday, a total of 88 individuals took their oaths as local councillors before Chief Minister Adly Zahari.

I don’t see anything wrong in appointing a driver as long as he can deliver. Tey Kok Kiew