Pakatan Rakyat Selangor: December 2008

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Appeal from Zakaria Md Deros’ family rejected - Star

SHAH ALAM: Dec 18, 2008

The Selangor state executive council on Wednesday rejected the appeal by the family of the late Datuk Zakaria Md Deros for temporary occupation of the state land where the fencing of his infamous mansion in Port Klang had been constructed.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said the executive council would now hand the matter over to the Klang district office and municipal council for a decision on what action to take next.

“We will ask the district office and municipal council to hold a dialogue with the surrounding residents to gather their feedback on the use of the state land.

“We will leave it to the residents in the area to decide on whether to turn the land into an open area or then to sell it to the family,” he told a press conference after chairing the state executive council meeting here.

Zakaria’s family had submitted a letter of appeal to the district office on Nov 17 following Khalid’s announcement on Nov 12 that an earlier application for temporary occupation of the 2,267 sq m of state land had been rejected.

Roles and responsibilities of councillors

As part of the local council administrative system, councillors carry these roles and responsibilities.

As a committee member who makes decisions on approval for applications like planning, development, and licensing. Yet at the same time their actions should not be contradictory and against the policy decided upon by the local council for the public interest.
To advice the local government on matters relevant to their expertise and profession
To represent the people and the local community in matters pertaining to their living condition at the respective local council.
As a mediator between the community and the local council and to serve as the patron for their residents association.
To relay the feedback and response given by the local community on the quality of service given by the local council.
To be policy and decision makers. To draw a set of local by-laws as a guide for administrative purposes in solving the local issues and on how to give best service to the people.
To draw the policy to determine the direction of the local council and the direction has to augur well with the state and central government’s policies and at the same time meet what the people want.
As spokesman for the local council to ensure that policies drawn at the local authority are accepted by the local community.
To get a response from the community if there is any abuse of misuse of power or funds by the local council.
To encourage public participation on activities and programs organised by the local council.

Appointment of the councillors

The Local Government Act 1976

Section 10 (1) - the local authority shall consist of the mayor or president and not less than eight not more than 24 other councillors to be appointed by the state authority.
residing in the respective local council
Have wide experience and knowledge in local government affairs
Achieved distinction in any profession, commerceor industry
Able to represent the interest of the community they are serving

Editor’s Note: If you have any comments or views on this issue of councillors, please write to us at metro@thestar.com.my.