KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 20): A group of seven Kuala Lumpur backbench Members of Parliament (MPs) on Thursday submitted a Private Member’s Bill to amend the Federal Capital Act 1960, proposing governance reforms including a councillor system to replace the mayor-centric model.

In a news conference, Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, speaking for the group, said the bill follows the August 2025 Public Accounts Committee recommendations, urging Kuala Lumpur to adopt a council-style governance like other local councils under the Local Government Act 1976.

The bill introduces a new Section 5B, with the mayor serving as “first among equals.” Each Kuala Lumpur MP would nominate two councillors to represent their constituencies, who would then be formally appointed by the Federal Territories minister.

Currently, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is the only local authority in Malaysia without councillors, as the Federal Capital Act centralises decision-making power in a federally appointed mayor rather than an elected or appointed council.

Nik Nazmi said the proposals are modelled on provisions in the Local Government Act 1976, governing the functions and structure of local councils. He acknowledged that the bill was drafted urgently but stressed that MPs remain open to working with the federal government to refine it.

He noted that DBKL has reached high-income status, with a planned 2025 expenditure of RM2.835 billion, yet decision-making authority remains largely with the mayor, with limited oversight from the Board of Advisors or the Federal Territories minister.

Nik Nazmi added that the proposed amendments fulfil a Pakatan Harapan election manifesto commitment to “empower democracy and transparency in DBKL through systematic methods,” ensuring representation that reflects the interests of residents rather than developers.

He also said that the reform is necessary to safeguard democratic representation when Kuala Lumpur’s MPs do not align with the federal government.

“The various public controversies affecting certain urban areas in recent times, including in Kuala Lumpur, make this reform all the more urgent,” he said.

The bill was also backed by Seputeh MP Teresa Kok Suh Sim, Wangsa Maju MP Zahir Hassan, Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng, Batu MP P Prabakaran, and Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun.

A Private Member’s Bill, introduced by a non-minister MP, is rarely debated in Parliament, as government business takes precedence unless the bill is granted priority.

Tan said that the MPs hope the bill will be debated in the current parliamentary sitting. If not, he urged the Federal Territories minister to treat the matter seriously, emphasising the need for transparency, accountability, and proper representation for Kuala Lumpur residents.

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