QUESTION 1
a. Define local government. (5 marks)
Local government is a political subdivision of a nation or a state which is constituted by law
and has substantial control over local affair, including the power to impose taxes or exact labour
for prescribed. In other word, local government can be defined as a public organization
authorized to decide and administer a limited range of public policies within a small territory,
which is a subdivision of a regional, or national government. Moreover, local government are the
level of government that are closet to the people and therefore responsible for serving the
political and material needs of people and communities at a specific area it can be city council,
municipal, town, district or village.
b. Discuss the functions of a local government. (20 marks)
First function of a local government is environmental protection and building control. The
municipal government shall provide the environmental protection that local government does,
such as cleanliness, waste collection and disposal, drainage and water, sanitation and beauty
programs. Environmental services provide by the local authorities should be upgrade for better
services. Upgrading the environmental services is very crucial to make sure that people satisfies
with the environmental functions provided by the local government.
Second, social functions. Local governments are able to raise awareness of the urgent
social needs and value of social investment in the community. They can promote a sense of
social wellbeing obligation across all industries, including businesses, community groups and
other levels of government. They will contribute to the development of ties between various
organizations and sectors in the community. They will incorporate the services that provide more
efficiently. Also relevant are many targeted programs or flagship projects in partnership with key
partners to address important issues such as poverty reduction.
Next, public health and sanitation. The local government's first obligatory duty is to provide
public health and sanitation. To the city's people's good health. Preventive and healing steps are
taken. Children are immunized from smallpox, measles, TB, cholera, tetanus, whooping cough
etc. in their early years. Local organizations provide hospitals and clinics in various locations
under licensed physicians. Vaccinations for epidemics are offered free of charge. The
cleanliness of the area, including cleaning the drains and traffic lines and controling the slum
development in the city, is adequately monitored.
Lastly, public amenities. Local governments are in charge of building and maintenance of
most of their community infrastructure and public amenities. In typical cases, such capital
improvements include a number of city buildings, water and sewage lines and treatment
facilities, parks and playgrounds and a broad network of local streets and sidewalks. These
public services and utilities provide city authorities with another way to incorporate health issues
into their decisions.
QUESTION 2
Explain briefly any TWO (2) of the following:
1. Inherent Competence in Local Government (12.5 marks)
Any action by local governments other than this will then be taken by higher authorities or
the courts, namely ultra-vires, if it is expressly identified by the local authority. Over the
spectrum of permitted functions, ultravires may often interpret power as. Generalized
competence is a concept that requires municipal governments, as long as not against the
Federal Constitution, to take steps to provide the goods and services, protect citizens and
property. Malaysia is a nation which has been using the 'Anglo-Saxon competence doctrine.'
This doctrine is for "the subordinate bodies" that have the power of 'competence' in the local
government units. In other words, the local authorities of Malaysia are regulated by law, where
their power is actually restricted. In reality, Malaysia has also used inherent jurisdiction but it has
infra sovereignty. Decentralization clearly demonstrates the competence of the local
government. In conclusion, the Malaysian Local Government has combined administrative
features with legislation and inherent competence.
2. Objectives of local government. (12.5 marks)
First, national unity. In all countries, which have been independent, national unity, has
become the primary pre-condition. It's not about national unity, but it's about traditional regions,
or autonomy and unity. The key goal is to preserve national unity. Local authorities play an
important role in this in ensuring that the goal is achieved and that everybody is treated equally.
Without national unity, the local government cannot be properly formed and the local
government would find it difficult to collect funding from state and federal governments.
Programme and initiatives of the local government can be used to encourage the participation of
citizens in local affairs and events.
Second, democracy. Democracy gives the citizens, through the system of representatives in
local governments, opportunities to engage in local issues, especially in terms of socio-
economic and development projects. Democracy involves promoting freedom by dispersing from
the central government influence and by providing the system for the local government.
Democracy will prepare a nation to fully come as countries of democracy. A harmonious country
will be established, which will enable citizens to elect local government councils. Democracy is
the government's prime goal. Democracy is founded on popular opinion, no suppression of the
growth and protection of minorities. Local governments should foster a philosophy of democracy
at local level through central government decentralization of power.
Next, administrative efficiency. In the functions of the local government, efficiency is very
significant. In achieving Local Government goals, good integration between efficiency and
democracy is essential. It also refers to system delivery if the demands and needs of local
government people and services, such as smoothness, safety and health, facilities, schools,
lamps, roads and so on, are satisfied.
