It is believed that the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah has been given a six-month extension and I personally had congratulated him, but DBKL is still on auto-pilot mode.
Mahadi has already served in DBKL as its executive director and then as the 13th mayor of the capital city for a two-year contract starting on Sept 30, 2020. His contract expired at the end of last month. However, until today, there is no official announcement on if Mahadi is given an extension or who his successor is.
Both Federal Territories Minister Shahidan Kassim and Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob have to explain to the people why the door of DBKL Mayor’s office is locked for the past 10 days.
Is DBKL really without a mayor now, especially at a time when the city is facing the threats of possible flash floods during the monsoon season?
DBKL, being the torchbearer, has to set a good example for all the local councils and city halls around the country, and Ismail Sabri and Shahidan Kassim cannot allow this situation to put folks in Kuala Lumpur in a state of anxiety. Who would we complain to if the DBKL contractors fail to perform their job on the ground?
DBKL has a pool of talents within its rank and file, why is it so hard for Ismail Sabri or Shahidan Kassim to make up their minds in choosing a new mayor who can serve the people and transform Kuala Lumpur into one of the world’s most liveable cities?
I, therefore, reiterate the calls for the restoration of local council elections in Malaysia because it allows the voters to choose their mayors. Unlike political appointments, local council elections enable the practice of democracy at the grassroots level and ensure the accountability of local authorities to the people.