Civil society empowerment towards efficient urban governance in Kuala Lumpur city-region

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to discuss on the concept of civil society empowerment towards efficient urban governance in Kuala Lumpur city-region. This is in line with Malaysia new government policy on the implementation of One Malaysia, People First, Performance Now. National Development has been a major issue in the country's latest development agenda. The issue is more obvious in city-region due to its role as an engine of growth economy development. Now, with its sights set on attaining the economic level of a fully developed nation by 2020, Malaysia must focus on securing a credible share of the lead sectors of the globalised economy. The world today needs a new, comprehensive and holistic model of urban governance that involves all sectors (government, business and the civil society) as equal partners in development. Urban governance which integrates all sectors including public, private and other social organisations in participatory decision making. Efficient urban governance is characterized by sustainability, subsidiarity, equity, efficiency, transparency and accountability, civic engagement and citizenship and security. In line with this, Malaysia new government emphasis the importance efficient urban governance that would make Malaysia more competitive and attractive to investors and facilitate the achievement of the nation's development goals.