SELANGOR MB WRITES TO ELECTION COMMISSION ON LOCAL ELECTIONS

PRESS STATEMENT
MARCH 19, 2010

SELANGOR MB WRITES TO ELECTION COMMISSION ON LOCAL ELECTIONS

SHAH ALAM: Selangor Menteri Besar has written to the Election Commission chairperson, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof on the possibility of conducting local government elections in the state.

In a letter dated March 11, 2010 the Menteri Besar sought the views of the Commission on the proposal of running the local council elections based on the current provisions in the Federal Constitution and the state powers.


The state is of the opinion that Article 113 (4) of the Constitution allows the Commission to restore local government elections in the
state.


The article provides:"Federal or State law may authorise the Election Commission to conduct elections other than those referred to in Clause (1)".


Furthermore, State laws allocates power to the state government to appoint local council representatives based on the Local Government Elections Act 1960 and Local Government Act 1976

The Selangor government believes that local elections must be restored as it will allow the rakyat to elect the candidate who they think can serve them best.

This is in line with the state’s commitment to improve its administration to be more transparent, accountable and in strengthening democratic practices.

The state therefore requested Abdul Aziz and the commission to conduct studies and research on the possibility of holding local elections as soon as possible.

The state also expressed its readiness to meet Abdul Aziz and the Commission’s senior officers to discuss the issues further.

PRESS SECRETARIAT
OFFOCE OF DATO' MENTERI BESAR SELANGOR

Category: selangor