AS part of the Government Transformation Programme, there is an urgent need to transform the operations of local governments to better serve the needs of the people.
Local authorities are the closest to the people. They are the managers of urban environments.
With each passing day, local government becomes more and more significant in terms of acquiring the capacity to deal with the many issues and finding quick answers to community needs and services.
Local government, instead of being the lowest level of government, should become the highest in terms of the people's need for services. All local authorities should strive to give their best services.
Efficient local authorities require good leadership that is accountable to the people. Absence of local government elections means that local councillors are not the choice of the people, but are appointees of state governments.
Poorly managed local authorities inevitably lead to bad governance.
Good governance requires wide participation and discussion involving not only governmental agencies, but also diverse representatives from non-governmental organisations and civil groups.
Participation by all stakeholders is a cornerstone of good governance.
Involving citizens at the grassroots level is a key ingredient of good governance.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye,
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
NEW
STRAITS TIMES
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