SUNGAI SIPUT: Mayoral elections are not a new concept in Malaysia as the country practiced local government polls before their suspension decades ago, says Nga Kor Ming. The Housing and Local Government Minister stressed that the idea of electing mayors should not be viewed as unprecedented. He pointed out that a Royal Commission led by the late Senator Janaky Athi Nahappan had previously recommended local government elections. Nga explained that the proposal for local elections has been handed to the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) for a feasibility study. She suggested that electing a mayor might be more practical than holding full local council elections for numerous members.

Source: The Star February 07, 2026 13:50 UTC