Local Councils – Authority without Responsibilities?

Much has been reported about problems in various city councils from corrupt practices to poor hygiene, from parking problems to billboards, from bad roads to inadequate public transport.

It seems that the public cannot help to improve things in their own cities except to complain to the press or the Public Complaints Bureau.

So it comes as no surprise to learn that councils appear to be some kind of independent body that is not under the Housing and Local Government Ministry.

I remember as a youth in the 60s when Ipoh was considered one of the cleanest cities and it was under the rule of the People’s Progressive Party that was in opposition then.

The abolition of local elections has removed one process of a vibrant democracy as we now have officials who are not beholden to the people they are supposed to serve, i.e. the local ratepayers.

That is the basic reason we continue to read of abuse and only a few corrective measures. It is time to give back ratepayers their basic rights. Let us abolish this scheme of “taxation without representation.”

Having a few towns run by the opposition need not be all bad, as both sides will need to improve their communication skills.

Photo: A road scene in JB soon after leaving the Causeway.