Residents of Kuala Lumpur have expressed their firm opposition to the potential revival of the Federal Territories Ministry. They believe that the eight months since Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government took office is too short a time to see any meaningful change or impact. They argue that the Prime Minister should be given more time to implement his plans for the city. Dr Christopher Nicholas, a long-time resident of Brickfields, stated that he is satisfied with the Prime Minister personally overseeing Kuala Lumpur, as past ministers have not brought about substantial improvements.
Christopher: I am quite satisfied knowing that the Prime Minister is directly accountable for the city.Selamatkan Kuala Lumpur (SKL) chairman Datuk M. Ali echoed this sentiment. He believes that Kuala Lumpur does not need another minister, but rather an elected representative. Ali has been advocating for the election of the mayor and councillors for Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to ensure they are accountable to the people. He also highlighted that DBKL, Putrajaya Corporation, and Labuan Corporation can operate effectively without the Federal Territories Ministry, as they already have their own local authorities with powers defined by the Local Government Act 1976.
Since the Federal Territories Ministry was restructured into the Federal Territories Department, all relevant functions have been placed under the Prime Minister’s Department. Ali explained that this downsizing was also a cost-cutting measure. The opinions of Kuala Lumpur residents were supported by Mohan Raj, a Cheras resident who mentioned previous instances where he approached DBKL with issues only to be redirected to the Federal Territories Minister. He finds this counterproductive and questions who should be held responsible if something goes wrong. Businessman KC Lau from Bukit Bintang agreed and cited examples of politicians interfering with DBKL’s operations, such as the controversy over the ban of liquor sales in certain establishments.
Ali: Kuala Lumpur does not need another minister but an elected representative.Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan commented on the request for the revival of the ministry by Umno, stating that it is purely politically motivated. He emphasized that the people of Kuala Lumpur want less political interference and more transparency and accountability. Azmi also highlighted the need for a clean government that is accountable to the people and stated that it is ultimately up to the Prime Minister to decide on the matter.
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Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
