I REFER to your report “Ka Chuan agreeable to local council polls” (NST, March 25), in particular the statement that “we are ready and open to hear suggestions from the people”.

“We will get their views and opinions on this issue and submit them to the cabinet, where the final decision will be made.”

May I point out that Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Ong Ka Chuan’s statement gives the impression that a feedback-gathering process is to be undertaken. This will be time-consuming.

After some time, the issue will take a back seat and die a natural death due to the importance given to other issues.

If he is sincere and wants to make a difference and heed the calls during the general election, he must do away with this information-gathering process. This has been done.

The people have spoken often enough on this topic. Many non-governmental organisations have called for the restoration of local government elections. This call was also in the manifestos of opposition parties now in power in some states.

Massive changes have taken place since the general election. I hope Ong reads the winds of change correctly and leads the charge in bringing about local council elections.

J. PALPERNARVAN, Ipoh

Source: NST – March 28, 2008