STAKEHOLDERS are hoping for more accountability and transparency in agencies under the new Federal Territories Department.
Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai said the restructuring of the Federal Territories Ministry was a good move as it had overlapping functions with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
“Besides saving money from doing away with a ministry, it will free DBKL and the Kuala Lumpur mayor from political interference,” he said.
He was asked to comment on the announcement by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali that the Federal Territories ministry would now be the Federal Territories Department and placed under the Prime Minister’s Department.
This followed a special briefing on the restructuring with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at DBKL and attended by Kuala Lumpur MPs.
Tan, who was present at the meeting, said the Prime Minister directed the mayor to hold monthly meetings with the MPs.
“I also suggested that a committee be formed comprising the mayor and MPs so that we will be involved in some decision-making processes, such as the budget formulation as well as infrastructure planning and development.
“We want to see Kuala Lumpur become a world-class city with a democratic system of governance and a prime destination for international investors,” he added.
When announcing the new Cabinet on Dec 2, Anwar had left out the Federal Territories ministry, which sparked speculation on where the former ministry’s agencies would be placed.
Wangsa Maju MP Zahir Hassan said the new structure should benefit city folk.
“The federal territories were initially under the purview of the Prime Minister’s Department before 2004. So, I do not see a problem with reverting to that,” he said.
“This decision proves that the Kuala Lumpur mayor is able to run the city. During the meeting, the PM told us there should be no political interference in DBKL so that civil servants could perform efficiently,” said Zahir.
Selamat Kuala Lumpur chairman Datuk M. Ali said this was something it had been championing for a long time.
“It saves public funds, prevents abuse by parties with vested interests and provides for greater accountability in running the city.”
He said the government should consider holding an election for the mayor and appoint councillors in all 11 Kuala Lumpur constituencies to replace the DBKL Advisory Board and Federal Territories Residents Representative Council which are mostly political appointments.
“This would be more democratic and ensure better transparency in DBKL matters,” he said.
Salak South Residents Association chairman GP Sivam hopes the changes will lead to greater engagement between DBKL and the public.
“We hope that this new structure will help eradicate corruption at all levels,” he said.
