KUALA LUMPUR, 3 March 2026 (The Capital Post)— In a bid to strengthen fiscal oversight and boost transparency, Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud, Mayor of Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), has announced a series of governance reforms that include a new cap on discretionary spending.
Under the updated procedures, the mayor’s individual discretionary contributions for urgent community needs will be limited to RM3,000 per case. Any request for financial support above this threshold must now be referred to a formal committee for review and recommendation. This move is aimed at standardising the decision-making process and ensuring greater accountability in the allocation of public funds.
Historically, the mayor had the authority to approve discretionary expenditures without an upper limit, designed to allow swift responses to emergencies or social welfare needs that fall outside standard aid schemes. However, the lack of clear spending limits raised concerns about accountability and oversight.
Mayor Fadlun described the reforms as part of DBKL’s response to recommendations from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to bolster governance and modernise administrative procedures. “The goal is to strengthen fiscal discipline and institutional checks and balances while preserving the ability to respond effectively to community needs,” he said at a press briefing held at Menara DBKL 1.
A key aspect of the reforms is a shift away from unilateral decision-making. Going forward, major decisions will be made collectively through committee deliberations rather than solely by the mayor, a change intended to promote collaborative governance and reduce discretion in the hands of any single official.
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In addition, DBKL’s internal audit structure is being revamped to strengthen oversight. The DBKL Audit Committee will now be chaired by a member of the Kuala Lumpur City Advisory Board (ALP), with two other ALP representatives appointed as permanent members. The reform is designed to enhance the independence and accountability of financial reviews and operational monitoring.
Fadlun emphasised that these changes do not diminish the mayor’s powers but ensure that all decisions are made through proper procedures and aligned with established governance standards.
Also present at the announcement was Hannah Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), underscoring the federal government’s support for reforms aimed at ensuring robust and transparent city management.- The Capital Post
