DAP goes power-crazy

Perak Education, Local Government, Housing and Public Transport Committee chairman Nga Kor Ming had on Monday announced the list of councilors and Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran was appointed as city councilor.

Ironically, Kula’s council appointment set a bad precedent; it affects policy in a democratic setting and is a form of bidding for political monopoly. The political monopoly depresses electoral competition and causes the politicians an interest in suppressing redistributive policies.

Practically, it may seem however that it witness the political testimony of DAP goes power-crazy in power struggles. Shouldn’t be the public have a high degree of tolerance towards the unfair inequality which showed the hypocrite of the politicians?

Democracy needs accountability, as elected representative, under performing surely not gladdens the hearts of the electorate.

Should Kulasegaran have sufficient time from his tight schedule as a parliamentarian to attend to local issues without conflict of interest? As reported, the appointment of Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran as city councilor has drawn flak from various quarters.

Ipoh Ratepayers Association (Irata) vice-president Victor Sankey expressed concern whether Kulasegaran could spare the time from his tight schedule as a parliamentarian to attend to local issues.

“No doubt, his credentials qualify him as a councilor but he has enough on his plate as a parliamentarian,” he said Tuesday.

Pointing out that local councils were the third tier of government and closest to the people, Victor said ratepayers had high expectations.

He added that people were already annoyed that only 30% of the councilors’ posts were allotted to non-governmental organizations.

Teja assemblyman Chang Lih Kang was also skeptical if Kulasegaran could handle the appointment. He added that the Ipoh Barat MP’s appointment had also set a bad precedent.

“A politician should not be given excessive power. Kulasegaran’s appointment is a form of monopoly.

“As there were other candidates applying to become councilors, it should not be monopolized by politicians,” he said.

Perak MCA organizing Secretary Dr Mah Hang Soon questioned whether Kulasegaran could carry out his duties as a councilor as he would be away in Parliament for more than 100 days a year.

“Being a councilor, he needs to be regularly available to the people,” he said.

Kulasegaran, however, said he would not face problems in carrying out his duties as both MP and councilor.

“As I have vast knowledge on local council affairs, I am expected to play a pivotal role in Ipoh City Council,” he said. He added that he would quit as a lawyer soon to concentrate on his dual role.