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During the run-up to the 2008 General Elections, some political parties made promises to re-introduce the elections of local councillors – a right Malaysians enjoyed until the late 60s. As you are aware, having elected local councillors will aid in the practice of democratic governance by ensuring, inter alia, greater participation by the Rakyat and better accountability by the local councillors. There have been some discussions on whether we are able to re-introduce local government elections process without amendments to the Local Government Act 1976, the Federal Constitution and/or other legislation, and the models of local government elections which will best suit Malaysia.  

The Law Reform & Special Areas Committee of the Bar Council invites you to a public forum on “Local Government Elections: Now, Later or Never?” on Saturday, 10th October 2009, 8am – 2pm at the Bar Council Auditorium to encourage discussions for a deeper understanding on these matters:

(1) “Losing the third vote: A critical appreciation of the political landscape of the 1960s.” - Professor Dr. Johan Saravanamuttu Visiting Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore.

The speaker will focus on the Report on the Royal Commission of Enquiry to Investigate into the Workings of Local Authorities in West Malaysia, the Report of the Committee to Study the Implications of the Report on the Royal Commission of Enquiry to Investigate into the Workings of Local Authorities in West Malaysia and in particular, the impact of the report annexed therein, prepared by the Bahagian Kemajuan Pentadbiran, Jabatan Perdana Menteri dated January 1971.
 
(2) “Local government elections by individual states: Are there legal barriers?” M. Murgan, Legal Advisor, Municipal Council of Penang Island & Andrew Khoo (Andrew Khoo & Daniel Lo)

The speakers will focus on the impact of the relevant sections in the various pieces of legislation including the Local Government Act 1976, the Local Government Elections Act 1960, Local Government (Temporary Provisions) Act 1973, the relevant state constitutions, the existing Emergency Ordinances and the Federal Constitution.
 
(3) “Will elected local councillors do a better job?” – Y.B. Liew Chin Tong, Member of Parliament for Bukit Bendera & Wong Chin Huat, Journalism Lecturer, Monash University of Malaysian Campus.

The focus will be on a comparative study of past councillors and state benefits of having elected local councillors.
 
Admission is free! For more details, registration & enquiries, kindly contact Sumitha at 03-20313003 ext 194 or email sumitha@malaysianbar.org.my. Members may also fax the enclosed registration form to 03-2026 1313 or 2034 2825