By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Feb 7 — The Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) can set a precedent for other local authorities in the state by appointing 50 per cent of its council members from among professionals, said Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He believes the move could pave the way for a similar approach to be adopted by the other councils.
Amirudin, however, clarified that having professionals appointed as councillors does not necessarily mean they are non-partisan.
“Being professionals doesn’t imply they are apolitical. They may still have affiliations with a party or political group. Having said that, they should at least have a diploma or degree and excel in fields like corporate leadership or science.”
“But we will review the proposal (for 50 per cent professional appointments). Currently, about 15 (out of 24 council members in Klang) possess diplomas to PhDs. Yet, finding impartial professionals may take time.
“Nevertheless, Klang can initiate the process of having members that possess professional qualifications,” he said today.
Amirudin said this at a press conference following an Anti-Corruption Programme and corruption-free pledge (IBR) ceremony at the state administrative headquarters, here.
He was responding to the recommendation by state ruler, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, that members of MBDK, which was bestowed a royal city status on Monday, should consist of at least 50 per cent professionals to help enhance the city’s governance and development.
His Royal Highness also said the council’s composition should mirror Klang’s diverse community, and that this would empower them to effectively address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities arising from Klang’s development.
Today’s IBR ceremony, an initiative by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), saw Amirudin and other members of the Selangor State Executive Council signing an anti-corruption pledge, reaffirming their commitment to combating graft and abuse of power.
Amirudin said the pledge aligns with the state government’s anti-corruption stance, following the appointment of new state executive council members after the Selangor election last August.
“Today’s commitment to combating corruption reflects the dedication of the state government, which takes its responsibilities and mandates to the people seriously.
“The transparency and accountability displayed in signing this pledge against corruption underscore our efforts to combat and eradicate graft,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by Selangor MACC director Datuk Alias Salim, all 10 state executive councillors, Selangor state secretary Dato’ Haris Kasim, and other state department heads.
