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We’re having a workshop for our #UndiKetiga candidates with @michellengms @the_yonglina and @HannZiq today! Follow this thread for some insight!
Local councils are hands-on when it comes to resolving day-to-day complaints, even doing unglamorous things like waste management. But also a lot more! Such as, licensing (to operate shops or offices).
@michellengms and @the_yonglina shared their experience of having a dog-friendly park. It may sound easy, but the process is tedious and more complicated than one can imagine!
@HannZiq shared his experience about being bashed when trying to fix a problem 
but eventually learnt his ropes and addressed relevant stakeholders to fix it - which was a fulfilling experience!
but eventually learnt his ropes and addressed relevant stakeholders to fix it - which was a fulfilling experience!
Q&A: What are your thoughts on how corruption can happen under the current system versus one where local council is elected?
@HannZiq - we are just observers for tendering processes, and it’s difficult to monitor the flow of money. But with E-tenders these days, it is very difficult to be corrupt. Briberies cannot be 100% removed, but systems are in place to combat it.
If local councilors are elected and have to be accountable to the people, it reduces chances of corruption. But there still needs proper guidelines and accountability systems - internally and externally - @michellengms
Q&A: How much power does a local councilors have when pushing for policies to be passed?
@the_yonglina - no one person has ultimate power, but is dependent on the entire standing committee. Even small decisions are included in the minutes for proper check and balances 
it’s about mobilizing people and creating a clean system
it’s about mobilizing people and creating a clean system
Q&A: What are the legal steps that needs to be taken to return LCE?
@michellengms - a constitutional amendment would be required. The more challenging task is the implementation - the readiness levels of each local council varies, and would require proper strategy in order to roll out LCEs. The last thing we want is for funds to be depleted.
Q&A - how far are we getting local elections to be implemented? Is there any discussions in parliament or state assembly?
@michellengms there has been studies done and conversations happening, but the actual implementations hasn’t been really considered
@the_yonglina there has been discussions in Sarawak as well, but financial constraints would have to be considered. LCEs have a unique history in Sarawak, but many other factors still need to be considered carefully. Whether there is a need? How urgent it is? Is it a priority?
@HannZiq the current bodies need to rethink how they would like to be a part of LCEs if it were to be implemented. The government has a lot of factors to consider and PBT processes need to be discussed further.
