THE Penang Local Government will see more representation from various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in its two city councils beginning next year.
State Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the NGOs would have a bigger quota for city councillor posts for the 2021 term.
He said the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) have 24 councillors each.
“The MBPP has 10 councillors from DAP, PKR (eight), Amanah (two) and NGO (four); while MBSP has 10 from DAP, PKR (nine), Amanah (two) and NGO (three).
“All these years, only Penang Forum and Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) nominated their respective members to fill the quota for NGOs.
“We want to give a bigger quota for the NGOs as it is our aim to be a transparent and accountable government.
“We welcome all NGO members in the state to apply for the city councillor posts under this quota.
“The NGOs can submit their nominations until Dec 15,” he told a press conference in City Hall,at the Esplanade today.
The 2020 term for the councillors in both city councils ends on Dec 31 this year.
The NGOs can contact 04-6505379 or e-mail to [email protected] for further details.
Besides that, Jagdeep said the state has decided to appoint at least 30% women councillors in both city councils next year.
“This is in line with Penang’s gender inclusiveness policy. It is important to have a bigger quota for women.
“Currently, we have nine women city councillors,” he said.
Also present was MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting