MUDA candidates have pledged to bring back local council elections to restore the power of the third vote to the hands of the people.

In a statement, Muda urged voters in Selangor to vote for their candidates in the state polls to strengthen the community and to herald a new era of democratic representation and progress.

“A vote for a Muda candidate in Selangor is a vote for a voice for a voice to champion local council elections,” it stated.

“In the spirit of empowering our communities, decentralisation of power holds utmost importance. However, in Malaysia, we find ourselves with a situation where councillors in local governments are appointed by the state government, resulting in political appointees,” Muda added.

The youth-based party said local council elections empower the people to have a direct say in choosing their representatives responsible for managing and providing essential services to their communities. 

It said the elections offer the opportunity for individuals to elect representatives who genuinely reflect their interests and values.

“It is time for Malaysia to seriously consider adopting a truly three-tiered governance system, one that fosters democratic practices right down to the grassroots level.

“It is evident that local communities often find themselves unrepresented due to the political appointments of local councils by state governments.

“It is only right that communities have the autonomy to select individuals who truly represent their interests, instead of using these positions as rewards or political bargaining chips,” Muda said.

In February, the government said holding elections for local councillors is not part of the unity government’s plans at the moment.

Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said the government wants to focus on seven other areas that prioritise the public’s wellbeing, such as safer roads, cleaner drains and public toilets.

Local elections were suspended during the Emergency Proclamation in the Malaysia-Indonesia Confrontation in the 1960s.

In 1976, the Local Government Act was passed and it abolished local government elections. State governments then appointed councillors.

During the previous Pakatan Harapan administration from 2018-2020, then housing and local government minister Zuraida Kamaruddin had said the nation could not afford to hold local elections. – July 31, 2023.