DBKL councillor system put on hold as govt focuses on governance reforms — minister

KUALA LUMPUR (July 1): The proposed councillor system for Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will not be introduced for now, as the government focuses on strengthening existing governance mechanisms.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh (pictured) in a statement on Wednesday said the decision follows a feasibility study by International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) on possible amendments to the Federal Capital Act 1960 (Act 190).

The four-month study, conducted from December 2025 to March 2026, gathered views from Kuala Lumpur members of Parliament and DBKL management on governance, decision-making, service delivery and accountability.

The study reviewed proposals from the Policy Advisory Committee to the Prime Minister (PMAC) and private members’ bills, including a proposal to establish a Supreme Council and an advisory body involving seven Kuala Lumpur MPs.

However, the government decided not to introduce a councillor system as it could create an additional decision-making layer, leading to overlapping roles and unclear accountability.

Instead, the study recommended strengthening checks and balances through DBKL's existing governance structure, including its advisory board.

It proposed introducing a formal governance framework for the board, setting out the criteria for professional and NGO representatives, as well as its management structure, meeting procedures, reporting requirements and working relationship with the Kuala Lumpur mayor, the Federal Territories minister and DBKL management.

The study found that many weaknesses in the current system stem from a lack of clear governance guidelines and operating procedures, rather than shortcomings in the law.

It also recommended strengthening the role of Kuala Lumpur MPs in oversight and public consultation, without giving them direct administrative powers. Their involvement could include regular consultative meetings, monitoring committees, budget reviews and formal channels to raise public and constituency issues with DBKL and the Federal Territories minister.

The report said any amendment to Act 190 would be sensitive because Kuala Lumpur's governance involves the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Sultan of Selangor, in addition to the minister, mayor and advisory board.

It also warned that introducing councillors with executive or voting powers could fundamentally alter Kuala Lumpur's governance model and conflict with the original intent of Act 190 and the 1974 Kuala Lumpur Agreement.

Following the study, the Cabinet directed the Federal Territories Department to first strengthen DBKL's governance, accountability and checks and balances before considering any amendments to Act 190. The department and DBKL are now preparing a transformation plan to improve the city authority's governance and effectiveness.

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