KUALA LUMPUR (July 1): The federal government has decided not to introduce a proposed councillor system for Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) at this stage, opting instead to strengthen the city's existing governance framework and accountability mechanisms.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Hannah Yeoh, said the decision follows a feasibility study conducted by International Islamic University Malaysia on potential amendments to the Federal Capital Act 1960 (Act 190).

The four-month study, carried out between December 2025 and March 2026, gathered feedback from Kuala Lumpur Members of Parliament and DBKL management regarding governance practices, decision-making processes, service delivery and public accountability.

Among the proposals reviewed were recommendations by the Policy Advisory Committee to the Prime Minister (PMAC) and several private members' bills, including suggestions to establish a Supreme Council and an advisory body comprising seven Kuala Lumpur Members of Parliament.

However, the government concluded that introducing a councillor system could add another layer of decision-making, potentially resulting in overlapping responsibilities and reduced clarity over accountability.

Instead, the study recommended enhancing checks and balances within DBKL's current governance structure. This includes strengthening the role of the existing advisory board through a formal governance framework that clearly defines the selection criteria for professional and non-governmental organisation representatives, board management procedures, reporting requirements and its working relationship with the Kuala Lumpur mayor, the Federal Territories minister and DBKL's management.

The findings also indicated that many of the current governance challenges stem from insufficient governance guidelines and operational procedures rather than weaknesses in the legislation itself.

In addition, the study proposed expanding the oversight role of Kuala Lumpur Members of Parliament through regular consultation sessions, monitoring committees, budget reviews and formal channels to raise constituency concerns with DBKL and the Federal Territories minister, without granting them executive or administrative authority.

The report further noted that any amendments to Act 190 would be highly sensitive due to Kuala Lumpur's governance structure, which involves the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Sultan of Selangor, the Federal Territories minister, the mayor and the advisory board.

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

Following the study, the Cabinet directed the Federal Territories Department to prioritise improvements to DBKL's governance, accountability and oversight mechanisms before considering legislative amendments. The department and DBKL are now preparing a transformation plan aimed at enhancing the city authority's governance and operational effectiveness.

Key Takeaways

The government's decision highlights that improving governance does not necessarily require creating new administrative structures. Instead, strengthening existing systems, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and enhancing accountability can often deliver more effective governance while avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy. The proposed reforms also reinforce the importance of balancing efficient city administration with appropriate oversight, ensuring that Kuala Lumpur's unique governance framework remains stable while becoming more transparent and responsive to public needs.