KUALA LUMPUR — The proposed councillor system tabled via a Private Member’s Bill to amend the Federal Capital Act 1960 (Act 190) marks a first step towards a more balanced city administration, even if it does not resolve all structural issues.
This was expressed by the Kuala Lumpur Residents Alliance for Sustainability and Development (KLRA + SD), which represents 74 residents’ associations, six civil society partners and academic collaborators in the capital.
According to KLRA + SD, for decades, decision-making power over planning and development in Kuala Lumpur has been concentrated in a centralised structure dominated by the Mayor and the Minister of Federal Territories. This, they said, has contributed to persistent urban challenges including traffic congestion, flash floods, declining environmental quality, shrinking green spaces and overdevelopment exceeding infrastructure capacity.
With the introduction of a councillor system, more voices would be brought into DBKL’s decision-making process, increasing potential oversight of planning and development, strengthening accountability and offering a foundation for future reforms.
“KLRA+SD strongly recommends that the Bill specify criteria for the appointment of councillors, including minimum recognised bachelor’s degree qualifications, relevant experience in urban governance, a proven record of integrity and public service, and no conflict of interest.
“Clear eligibility criteria will ensure that appointed councillors are competent, independent and capable of making informed decisions that reflect the best interests of Kuala Lumpur residents,” it said in a statement.
On Thursday, seven Kuala Lumpur MPs moved a Private Member’s Bill to amend the Federal Capital Act 1960, proposing the introduction of a councillor system to ensure transparency and represent the interests of the public rather than developers.
The MPs involved are Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa), Teresa Kok (Seputeh), IR TS Zahir Hasan (Wangsa Maju), Tan Kok Wai (Cheras), Lim Lip Eng (Kepong), P. Prabakaran (Batu) and Fong Kui Lun (Bukit Bintang).
KLRA + SD further noted that public engagement processes, including town hall sessions on the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan (KLLP2040) and the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan (KLSP2040), were often insufficient.
Despite residents providing well-considered feedback, their concerns were not fully reflected in the final outcomes, undermining public trust in the process.
“KLRA+SD recognises that Private Member’s Bills are rarely debated in Parliament, let alone passed into law. However, there is precedent for such a Bill gaining traction when adopted by the Government — for example, the amendment to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (RUU 355).
“Although the legislative route may be challenging, attention to this valuable Private Member’s Bill could spark important discussions and open the way for government-led reform,” it added. – November 21, 2025