Dr Zaliha to discuss local council elections proposal with KPKT

Dr Zaliha said she took note of the suggestion, especially for local council elections in the federal capital, but this matter needed to be discussed with KPKT.

"But we know that local councils are under KPKT and I'm not rejecting its importance. So I will discuss with my KPKT counterpart (Nga Kor Ming) to see how we can further study this matter," said Dr Zaliha, who was moved to the PM's Department from the Health Ministry in a recent Cabinet reshuffle.

She was speaking to reporters after attending a welcoming ceremony and briefing at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) at Menara DBKL 1 here today.

Media reports had quoted Kuala Lumpur DAP chairman Tan Kok Wai as urging the government to introduce local council elections in the federal capital, which he said would strengthen democracy in the Federal Territory.

Tan said holding local council elections in Kuala Lumpur would ensure sustainability and allow residents to choose their local councillors.

Meanwhile, Dr Zaliha said the Federal Territory Department would retain its functions as a department and its administration would come under the PM's Department although the federal capital was previously under a ministry of its own.

"If we have a ministry, its functions will be far bigger but if it is a department, it is responsible to the Prime Minister," she said.