Zaliha To Discuss Local Council Polls Proposal Thoroughly With Nga

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Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said discussions on a proposal to revive the local council election would be held with Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Zaliha reiterated her views that there are other matters to be prioritised but added that she did not rule out the importance of such an election.
“I’d like to stress that we have important matters that need to be implemented.
"(At the same time) I will not undermine the importance of what has been voiced about the local council election by stakeholders," she was quoted as saying by Free Malaysia Today.
Federal Territories DAP chief Tan Kok Wai over the weekend prompted outcries from allies in government as well as rivals Perikatan Nasional after he called for the revival of the local council election, starting with Kuala Lumpur.
Federal Territories DAP chief Tan Kok WaiDAP's critics said the proposal was an alleged attempt by the party to enforce its dominance in urban areas with a smaller Malay-bumiputera ratio.
Other Malay leaders from Pakatan Harapan who favour the proposal, however, argued that it would be another way to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level.
"The matter is actually under the Local Government Development Ministry.
"Whatever it is, we will thoroughly discuss it with the minister,” Zaliha said after her first visit to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall office today.
Separate ministry?
FMT also reported that Zaliha said she was unsure whether she would be given a full ministry or remain under the Prime Minister’s Department.
“So far I’m still under the department. Whether (my portfolio) will be changed into a ministry or otherwise, I will have to discuss this with Prime Minister (Anwar Ibrahim),” she added.
When asked if she would prefer to have a ministry, Zaliha answered: “Of course. If we have a ministry, we will have a bigger role. If (my portfolio is) a department, my responsibility is to the prime minister.”
- Mkini

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