KUCHING: State Reform Party Sarawak (STAR) has urged the government to reinstate free and fair council elections to select city mayors, walikota and councillors.
Following reports that new city mayors and councillors will be announced on the 11th of this month, Star president Lina Soo recalled that the first election for Kuching Municipal Council (KMC) – precursor of MBKS and DBKU – was held in 1956 with 58 candidates vying for 27 council seats.
She said since Nov 4, 1956 until Oct 15, 1981, the members of KMC were selected in direct elections. On Oct 15, 1981, the government abolished the electoral system and directly appointed the councillors who serve at the pleasure of the government.
“This had the effect of changing the system from a democratic structure to a political system which rewards its members for their political support,” Soo pointed out in a statement yesterday.
She mentioned the patronage system is flawed because the people and grassroots organisations have no say at all in it and does not result in the best man serving the community.
“The government must select community leaders such as kapitan who really serve the people and have the interests of the society at heart.
“Instead, what I have observed happening is kapitans are selected based on their connections and links with the leaders of political parties,” she said.
She said many such political appointees are absent leaders who fail to serve their communities, yet they hold their positions for prestige.
“Some – not all – community leaders also expect ‘ang pow’ when rendering assistance to people who ask for their help,” she said.
Soo proposed that community leaders be nominated by various associations through a vetting and elective process just like heads of associations are voted in their respective democratic elections.
This, she insisted, is one filtering mechanism to get credible leaders who are willing to serve the society.
“Political patronage is undemocratic at best and at its worst, it puts up leaders who only serve their own interests and those of their patrons instead of serving the people.”
