ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the unique system of urban governance in Malaysia. It begins with a brief description of the roles of the federal and state governments in local government, the types and number of local authorities and their diminishing roles. The chapter describes the appointments of mayors or presidents and councillors and the roles of the local authorities. It discusses the effectiveness of the local authorities and the areas that need improvement. There are 150 local authorities in Malaysia, made up of nine city councils, three city halls, forty municipal councils and ninety-eight district councils. Generally, local authorities manage public spaces, regulate the preparation and sale of food, operate wet markets, control sanitation, regulate activities that may cause public nuisances and control the pollution level of streams. One of the main weaknesses of Malaysian local authorities is the lack of accountability. The councillors and mayors or presidents are not elected by the people.
