Bersih said the appointment of local councillors by the state government had given rise to “massive political patronage and corruption for decades”, as they were not accountable to the public but only to their political masters.

It said direct election of mayors would give a powerful mandate to carry out reforms of institutions in big cities.

“In cities with directly elected mayors, elected local councils are still needed as the legislative branch to provide the check and balance of the executive.

Read More > Free Malaysia Today