Kuala Lumpur, Feb 3 — Voters in Kuala Lumpur must be given the right to determine the administration and future direction of the capital city, said Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (DAPSY) National Vice Chief Raja Ahmad Iskandar Fareez today.

In a media statement, Raja Ahmad stressed that the principle of local democracy requires the city’s leadership to be shaped by its own residents, rather than individuals from outside Kuala Lumpur, including former state leaders from other states.

“The future of Kuala Lumpur must rest in the hands of those who live, work and build their lives here,” he said, adding that local communities are best placed to understand and address issues affecting areas such as Kerinchi, Kampung Bharu, Kampung Datuk Keramat, Setapak and Bandar Seri Permaisuri.

He argued that representatives from outside the capital may lack sufficient understanding of the city’s unique social and urban challenges, and that empowering residents to elect the city’s leadership would result in governance that better reflects local needs and perspectives.

Raja Ahmad also highlighted the role of local democracy in encouraging greater community involvement, particularly among young people, whom he described as key drivers in shaping neighbourhood-level solutions and the city’s future.

Pointing to Kuala Lumpur’s distinct administrative structure, he noted that, unlike states, the federal capital does not have a State Legislative Assembly (DUN). Instead, it is administered by Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), whose leadership is appointed rather than elected.

As a result, he said, constituency services and residents’ complaints are largely handled by 11 Members of Parliament serving a population of approximately 1.98 million.

This, he added, stands in contrast to states such as Perlis, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Terengganu, which have smaller populations but are represented by state assembly members and local councillors.

Raja Ahmad welcomed the decision by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh to study proposals for local government elections in Kuala Lumpur, including the possible election of the city’s mayor.

He described the move as timely and appropriate, saying any new policy discussion should be grounded in facts and a thorough evaluation of costs and benefits, rather than driven by racial or emotional considerations.

“Voters’ voices must not be sidelined in the administration of Kuala Lumpur,” he said.

“If voters in Merlimau can elect a representative who later serves in a state executive council, then residents of the capital deserve no less than the opportunity to choose their own representatives within the city’s governance structure.”