COMMENT | Why the political class fears local council polls

“With these statistics in mind, it is quite certain that whoever is interested in nominating a candidate for a local government election would be sure to consider prioritising a candidate who is Malay.”

- Bersih chairperson Faisal Abdul Aziz

COMMENT | Detractors of local council election in this country believe in a federalised and centralised form of governance because it is easier to carry out religious and racial agendas without the inconvenience of dissent from local diverse polities.

The Bersih chairperson for instance chose to assuage the fears of the political class, by implying that since racial demographics are changing in urban areas, the sanctity of Malay leadership would not be challenged by the will of the people.

Meanwhile, former MP Mohamed Hanipa Maidin used London and the mayorship of a Muslim to...