LAST Sunday, the Johor Youth Assembly (DMJ) discussed the need for the total transformation of local councils in the state.

The topics not only focused on revamping the administrative structure, they consisted of involvement of young people in the administration and transparency.

DMJ is the platform for youth in Johor to debate state policies for the betterment of society.

In her speech, Teeba Solaimalai mentioned, based on DMJ law, security, integrity and international committee surveys of the local councils, which sampled around 2,000 people.

51.4% of Johoreans don’t know about their local councillors. From a scale of one to five, 52.1% of respondents replied five, which agreed on the needs of young people in local councils.

Adding on the stats, 74.6% of respondents don’t have access to information on financial records for councillors and their activities, programmes and updates.

Yet, 47.2% are satisfied with the current local council.

With the statistics given, Liyana Zulkarnain provides a better framework that focuses on three pillars: development of human capital, sustainable governance and social welfare of people, related to United Nations sustainable development goals, sustainable cities and communities.

Asyikin Atham Malik suggested Parliament amend the Local Authority Act under Section 53 to implement “open government data” at local authority level, with respect to the finances of community activities and administrative expenses without involving government assets.

Adding to which, Haziq Shafiee suggested amending the same act under Section 10 (6), adding specifically on placing the maximum limit for council members to three terms, giving a new leader or people the opportunity to become a local councillor.

Khairil Izhan said to make local councils more youthful, a platform called the local youth initiative (IBL) be created, the first platform for young people to become involved in local authorities, under the state government.

Hazwan Zulkifli said the importance of strengthening the overall use of technology in local authorities, in administrative structures or tax payments, and coupons in urban and rural areas.

Nabil Rahimi emphasises the need to empower the public consultation in each committee under city or municipal councils and it needs to be publicly available via the local council website.

Shawaluddin Malik said: “When it comes to the definition of youth and its capacity, not just eyeing local councillors, but more on appointment of young people in local council structure itself.”

Meanwhile, Muhammad Shaqib Shahrilnizam emphasises the current structure of local councils are not synchronised with the current climate. This needs a total reform so that the local councils are empowered for the people, to the people, by the people.

Shaqib added: “Open data government platforms can help focus on the KPIs of council members openly and information data about other councillors as a part of bringing the council to the people.”

This motion was carried by the committee unanimously. – August 27, 2020.

* Muhammad Shaqib Shahrilnizam is chairman of the Johor Youth Assembly law, security, integrity and international committee.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.