Share
PETALING JAYA (Jan 20): Large-scale developments in Kuala Lumpur will not be allowed without feedback from the respective areas’ Members of Parliament’s (MPs’), effective immediately.
“The practice of carrying out development in Kuala Lumpur without the knowledge or involvement of the people’s elected MPs must stop,” Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh said in a report by Malay Mail on Monday.
Yeoh added that development decisions in the capital should involve elected representatives, particularly when shaping a city that prioritises public interest.
She made this statement during the inaugural meeting of the Federal Territories Minister’s Council with KL MPs held yesterday.
Yeoh said the meeting also marked the first official engagement on the proposed introduction of a Private Member’s Bill under the Federal Capital Act 1960, which could potentially reform the governance structure of KL.
“The Private Member’s Bill was presented by the Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi during the last Parliament session.
“Today we have approached the FT Department’s legal advisor office to get their response and official engagement, and we have also discussed among ourselves on models that are more suitable for KL.
“However the FT department is currently conducting a more comprehensive study on the Federal Capital Act which is expected to be completed within two or three months,” she said in the report.
If passed, the bill would see KL’s governance shift from a centralised system led by a Federal Government–appointed mayor to a more council-based structure, allowing for broader representation and oversight.
In the meantime, Yeoh said MPs will now be involved in discussions on all major development proposals within their constituencies as part of efforts to improve transparency and accountability in urban planning.
Large-scale projects will be required to be tabled at local constituency One-Stop Centre (OSC) meetings, with MPs granted access to the OSC portal.
This will enable them to review and provide feedback on development applications before final decisions are made.
Previously, MPs were only informed after approvals had been granted. Under the new arrangement, they will be notified earlier in the process and allowed to submit their views to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) prior to final approval.
She also said MPs are expected to play a more active role in DBKL’s administration moving forward, and expressed confidence in their ability to carry out these responsibilities.
Unlock Malaysia’s shifting industrial map. Track where new housing is emerging as talents converge around I4.0 industrial parks across Peninsular Malaysia. Download the Industrial Special Report now.
