KUALA LUMPUR: THERE is an urgent need for transformation in the operation and management of local governments to better serve the needs of the people, said 1Malaysia Foundation trustee Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
Lee said this was part of the Government Transformation Programme, where local authorities were closest to the people.
“They are the managers of urban environments, while communities are the stakeholders. With each passing day, local governments become more significant in terms of acquiring the capacity to deal with the many issues, and finding quick and effective answers to the community’s needs.”
Lee said local governments, 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 and be held accountable to the people they serve.
“Employees of local authorities must serve with integrity to secure the people’s confidence. The absence of local government elections mean that local councillors are not the choice of the people but are appointees of the state government.
“Poorly managed local authorities inevitably lead to bad governance. Governance refers not only to the relationship between governments and state agencies, but also between government, communities and social groups.”
He said good governance required wide participation and discussion involving not only governmental agencies, but also diverse representation from non-governmental organisations and civil groups.
“Involving citizens at the grassroots level is a key ingredient of good governance. This is more so when we do not have elected local councils.”
Lee said transforming the operations of local authorities was in line with the recent call by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to all local authorities to feel the pulse of the people and to attend to their needs.
NST Online
No comments:
Post a Comment