SHAH ALAM - Local authority (PBT) elections, including for the post of Kuala Lumpur mayor, would create new challenges if they are implemented.
Constitutional expert Associate Professor Datuk Dr Wan Ahmad Fauzi Wan Husain said such elections could allow incumbents to remain in power and enable anyone to become a candidate, even if they are not committed to national aspirations and transparency in implementing government policies.
He said sponsorship practices funded by interest-group lobbyists could potentially occur and become a new norm.
"Lobby groups could influence any decision made by the mayor, even though the individual holding the post is elected by local voters in Kuala Lumpur.
"Moreover, the development of the capital does not depend solely on local resources. There are high tax collections and extensive linkages with many stakeholders," he told Sinar on Monday.
Wan Ahmad Fauzi, who is also the founder of Jurisprudens Watan at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation, International Islamic University Malaysia (ISTAC-IIUM), said the Federal Territories Department should prioritise more important issues.
"For example, ways to improve management efficiency, ensure a transparent procurement system and build the image of Kuala Lumpur based on national identity," he said.
He added that Kuala Lumpur already has Members of Parliament, in line with the constitutional democratic system.
Meanwhile, IIUM law lecturer Associate Professor Datuk Dr Shamrahayu Ab Aziz said the Federal Territories Department should first study the local council elections that were once discontinued.
She said all parties must clearly understand the history of their establishment and the reasons they were halted around the 1960s.
"Why were the elections stopped in the first place? I think this should be the first study to be conducted. Once we are clear on this issue, only then can we proceed with proposals to reintroduce the elections.
"So, I believe it is necessary to understand the weaknesses of the mayoral election system before it was discontinued," she said.