BACKGROUND The history of the development of Johor Bahru City Council started in the year 1933 when the

Department of Township was established, and later was being elevated to Town Council status in the year 1950. In the year 1967, under Section 15 of the Board of Township 118 Enactment, Yang Amat Berhormat Menteri Besar Johor took over the administrative authority of the Johor Bahru Town. On April 1, 1977, the Town Council was elevated to the Municipal Council and later was promoted to a City status on January 1, 1994 and was known as Johor Bahru City Council. Starting from that day onwards, Yang Amat Berhormat Menteri Besar Johor has passed on his responsibility as "Yang Dipertua" with the appointment of the Mayor of Johor Bahru. That is epigrammatic information of the establishment of Johor Bahru City Council. Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru or Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) is a local authority which administrates Johor Bahru city centre and other areas of the Iskandar Malaysia area. This agency is under Johor state government. MBJB are responsible for public health and sanitation, waste removal and management, town planning, environmental protection and building control, social and economic development and general maintenance functions of urban infrastructure. The MBJB main headquarters is located at Jalan Dato' Onn in Johor Bahru city centre.

MISSION & VISION Mission To simplify and catalyse sustainable development and provide quality service via innovative and integrated administrative management and effective utilisation of resources in driving foward an intelligent city residence lifestyle with their own identity

Vision Towards a Johor Bahru City Of International Standards by 2020 Function Planning and developmental control. Business licenses distribution and control. Redecoration. Health Services. Road construction and maintenance. Public transportation and traffic management. Irrigation management. Environmental cleanliness. Preparing and maintenance of public facilities.

Objective

The Johor Bahru City Council is established to

To conduct a paradigm leap in

administrative management. To strengthen its financial position. To increase the usage of technology in a comprehensive manner. To implement holistic and sustainable development. . To acculturate an excellent quality of life. To conduct an efficient management of facility. To strengthen the image of Johor Bahru city.

3. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LOCAL COUNCIL AND THE FEDERAL AND THE STATE GOVERNMENT

In order to fully understand the relationship between all the three tier governments in Malaysia, one has to understand the concept of the separation of powers and the delegated powers. The local government is under the purview of the relevant ministries at the federal level while a state subject at the state and local state. The relationship between the Federal and State government is reflected in their respective powers assigned in the Federal and the respective states Constitution. Both governments have their own rights and privileges, and may not interfere with one another or claim supremacy over the other unless by the provision provided by the law. The constitutional relationship between the Federal and state governments is reflected in the Article 2 (b) , 4 ( 1) ,73,75 and 76(4) of the Federal Constitution. Article 2(b) gives the Federal Government through Parliament the authority to change or alter the state boundary subject to the agreement of the state. Article 4 (1) provides for the supremacy of the Federal Government whereby any law passed after independence, and where it is inconsistency with the federal Constitution shall be void at where it is inconsistent. This provision is further reinforced by article 75. Article 73 empowers the Federal government to make laws within the federation and such laws to be effective within and outside the federation. Article 76 (4) instituted the power federal government to make laws in areas within the state list ( including local authority) for the purpose of implementing any treaty, agreement etcetera where the Federation is a member , and for the purpose of the uniformity of the laws of two or more states. Therefore , the relationship between the Federal and state government lies in the distribution of legislative powers, and is very much constitutional. In exercising the legislative powers conferred by Constitution, Parliament make laws within the Federation and laws having effect outside as well as within the Federation while the State could make laws

for the whole or any part of the state. With regards to making of the laws, under Article 74 of the Constitution, the Federal can make laws on the Federal List ( List I) while the state can make laws from the State List ( List II) . Both the Federal and State could make laws on the Concurrent List ( List III). All local authorities outside the Federal territory are under the jurisdiction of the state authority. These local authority are the state subject as List II of the Ninth Schedule of article 95B (1) (a) .Therefore, all local council and municipals are under the jurisdiction of state authority . After 1957 Independence, all local authorities in West Malaysia came under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government except the Commissioner of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall falls under the jurisdiction of Federal Territory.The issue of federal and state jurisdiction over local authorities is clear and sound, and such footing has contributed to the symbiotic federal-state relationship.

CITY COURT Suggestion to set up a court specially to handle cases related to the Local Authority has been presented by the Johor Bahru Town Council in 1995 following the success which has been achieved by the Magistrate Court (City Hall) Kuala Lumpur and Magistrate Court (Municipal Council) Petaling Jaya. The increase of postponed cases in the Johor Bahru Magistrate as well as increase of summon cases which is registered in court is one of the factors which encourage the establishment of the Magistrate Court (Johor Bahru Town Council). In 1997, the Yang Amat Arif Presiden Mahkamah Rayuan who is authorized as the Malaya Chief Judge has agreed to set up a special court to handle all cases related to Johor Bahru Town Council. In relation to that, the Johor Bahru City Council has purchased a 3-storey shop house building at No. 36, Jalan Garuda 1, Larkin, Johor Bahru to accommodate the City Court.

IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT

The Drainage Section of Johor Bahru Town Council is responsible to manage the plan, implementation and maintenance of drainage system, and environmental. List of Rivers and its Length which is maintained:

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Name of River Sg. Taman Johor 2,165 Sg. Haji Rahmat 3,190 Sg. Kempas 7,490 Sg. Sri Buntan 3,410 Sg. Chat 4,350 Sg. Abd Samad 1,545 Sg. Air Molek 3,790 Sg. Segget 4,280 Sg. Stulang 1,995 Sg. Setanggong 390 Sg. Tampoi 5,993 Sg. Sebulong 4,540 Sg. Bala 7,335 Sg. Tebrau 5,610 Sg. Pandan 2,040

16 17 18 19 20 21

Ladang Swee Lim 530 Ladang York 3,295 Sg. Tengkorak 2,620 Sg. Plentong 1,630 Sg. Senibong 1,140 Sg. Sengkuang 4,388

DEPARTMENT
To ensure that Johor Bahru City Council will be able to provide the best and effective services. Johor Bahru City Council is strengthen by the departments under its supremacy with its own functions .

Department of Audits. Function of Internal Audit Section 1. Evaluation dress codes and usage of accounting principles and inner control which is effectively implemented to all departments. 2. Research the level of attention for all departments towards the policies, programmes, procedures, rules and laws which are determined. 3. Evaluate achievement of objective and management goal towards the Council programmes and activities by stressing on the accuracy, effectiveness, and economy elements. 4. Report to the Y.B. Mayor the audit results and to follow up on the actions taken towards subjects which are being brought up.

Department of Information Technology Function of Information Technology 1. Analyze feasibility and possibility research to solve process problem and information organization towards computerization.

2. Assist departments by producing application system to simplify activities that are related with the MBJB function.

3. Preparing reports and information for reference information usage in helping to make decision.

4. Develop application and produce Multimedia services and corporate presentation.

5. Develop and maintain access to intranet/internet, email and MBJB portal.

6. Manual reformation process to the computer.

7. Maintain computer hardware and networking.

8. Preparing ICT facilities infrastructure.

9. Implement data security activity

Landscape Department Function of Landscape Department

1. Planning and management of landscape projects 2. Planning and managing implementation of children playground and public parks projects. 3. Processing application landscape plans. 4. Maintain field, children playground and public parks facilities. 5. Maintain landscape of protocol roads and plot landscape areas 6. Maintain sheltered trees/main trees at reserve roads and government reserve lands. 7. Manage, administer and organize public parks activity

Building Department Building Department Function 1. Processing all applications of New Additional Modification Plan and Temporary Permit for the approval from the consultant based on the allocation in Akta 133 Undang-Undang Kecil Bangunan Seragam 1984 and Council policies.

2. Monitor on-site construction works on sites which have been approved for Additional Modification, New Plan and Permit while it is parallel with the plan which have been approved. 3. Conduct enforcement works in aspects of building and structure construction. 4. Provide consultation services in technical aspects related to Acts and council policies which is used and implemented to the internal Department/Section/Unit. Assessment Department Function of Assessment Department 1. Conduct evaluation for all proportional holds in the Council administration area. 2. Configure notice outing that is related with property tax. 3. Keep all records that are related with assessment and tax. 4. Make judgments for meaning insurance on buildings which belong to the council. 5. Managing application privatization projects. 6. Management of Sports Complex, Multipurpose Hall/General Hall, public market, food court and also reserve lands which belonged to council.

E nforcements Department Function of Enforcement Department 1. Enforce MBJB By-Laws and related acts with fair consideration. 2. Issue of compound offer letter for offences which can be compounded. 3. Conduct occasional monitoring or to place members in a static way as a prevention method in implementing enforcement action. 4. Manage goods which are sealed and vehicles which are towed/moved well kept until it is demanded.

5. Transfer abandoned vehicles and conduct an obstruction offence. 6. General control during the seasonal celebration. 7. Conduct investigation and take action towards any accepted public complaints. 8. To assist another department or agency in enforcement task. 9. As an information source related to enforcement information, issuance of compound, sealing and Council administration.

Function of Engineering Department 1. Plan and execute infrastructure projects and public facilities for Johor Bahru City Council, State Government and Federal Government. 2. Controlling infrastructure development and public facilities by private parties. 3. Build and maintain Council streets. 4. Build, maintain and organize traffic system 5. Build, maintain and organize public transportation 6. Build and maintain sewerage system at Council area. 7. Build and maintain beach and irrigation system. 8. Planning, organizing acquisition and maintain Council transports. 9. Build and maintain electric sources system and electric/electronic installation 10. Build and maintain electro-mechanical system. 11. Reserved street and irrigations enforcement.

Function of Administration & Corporate Department 1. Promoting Council activities as an institution that is well- known, acknowledged and respected by the local society. 2. Managing Council publication matters. 3. Implement, monitor and re-assessment to a strategic planning. 4. Controlling public relation activities. 5. Handling of all Public relations activities Function of Social Department 1. Organize and arranging religious, social, culture, arts, sports, recreation and tourism activities for Johor Bahru and Council citizens. 2. Introduce and promote Council activities as a well known, acknowledged and respected by the local society. 3. Produce library services for Johor Bahru citizens. 4. Organize and arrange social activities including activities under Local Agenda 21. 5. Managing and arranging orchestra performances at the Johor Bahru city. 6. Manage gerak tumpu programme.

Function of Financial Department 1. Prepare and control Councils annual budget. 2. Execute orders from State Government State and Center which is related with financial aspects.

3. Managing money investment for Council. 4. Managing MBJB parking lots. 5. Planning and managing cash flow for Council 6. Managing councils revenue collection and local bills 7. Managing Councils payment expenditures and deposit withdrawal. 8. Prepare and maintain Councils accounting record.

Function Planning 1. Manage, coordinate and provide rancan Development, Policy and Planning Policy and Development Plans 2. Process and facilitate the application: a) Planning Permission (Layout and Construction) b) Land Application / Information / Plan (Planning Permission) c) Application range 3. Facilitate and disseminate information on the Planning and Development Council's administrative area 4. Land Application for the Council and the Action 5. Monitor and carry out planning enforcement action 6.Updating the Geographic Information (GIS) in the form of Spatial Data, Data Attributes, and publishes reference Plans for the Department of Public/MBJB Basic Plan, structure plan,/local plans and Special Area Plan

Licening & Hawker Department Function of Licensing & Hawker Department 1. Producing Business Premise and advertisement License.

2. Issuance of Temporary License for empty spaces in shopping complexes and in front of shops. 3. Issue temporary license permit in empty areas for food premises. 4. Issue renew license notice 5. Issue summons to traders without license and those who violate the By-Laws regulations. 6. Processing license renewal for approval of Licensing Committee. 7. Managing trust money for sensitive type of license. 8. Manage termination of business premise license which violates the conditions and premise which are not operated. 9. Providing guide lines/Business premise license Council policies. 10. Processing banner, bunting advertisement license application. 11. Issue of billboard/banner/bunting license. 12. Maintenance of banner/bunting 13. Issuance of billboard advertisement license renewal notice. 14. Managing trust money for billboard/banner/bunting license 15. Issue billboard compound/banners/bunting which is not licensed. 16. Managing termination of billboard advertisement license/banner/bunting which is not licensed. 17. Conducts summon actions for billboards/banners/bunting which are not licensed. 18. Preparing guide line and license policy of billboard advertisements/Council banners. 19. Managing billboard arrears license/banner/bunting which have not been paid. 20. Managing arrears license that not paid. 21. Provide consultation advice to traders, parallel with the Council vision. 22. Conduct examination of business premises with or without license. 23. Conduct united operation. 24. Accommodating of Stalls and Night Market.

25. Issuing hawker and market license. 26. Producing Temporary license such as seasonal fruits, celebration promotion take away, street stalls, and day markets. 27. Manage Council Property such as Public Markets, Food Courts, Temporary Stalls, Hawker Centre and Office. 28. Managing products like issuance of new license, license cancellation and re-pleading of new license. 29. Rental management such as determining of rental rate/site, business lots rental collection in the premise, rental collection for site areas on open spaces, car park lots and other public locations. 30. Other products like temporary business camp permit, apron selling, license form selling, Patil license selling and collection of water payment. 31. Enforcement like monitoring and controlling hawker without license, expired date license, arrears renting payment, adhere to license conditions, foods grading. 32. Manage checking premise acts, oral warning, notice issuance, fine/compound, writ of summons, transferring things/selling equipment and court orders according to enforcement guide such as Akta Kerajaan Tempatan 171, UUK Penjaja (MPJB) 1981, UUK Pasar-Pasar (MPJB) 1981, UUK Pasar Malam/sehari 2004, UUK Pengendalian Makanan 1983, dasar-dasar Pelesenan penjaja, Arahan Pekeliling. 33. Management and updating Information/data through sign in book/computer. 34. File management and control. 35. Implement Traders Development Entrepreneurship Programme. 36. Monitoring of Bumiputera Participation in the New Economy Policy. 37. Providing business lots. 38. Preparing Parent Business Lots Plan such as building Markets, Stalls, Night Market area, Day

Market Area, and Temporary Hawker Areas. 39. Preparation of Development Budget.

4. The councillor system of administration

COUNCIL PROFILE

MBJB COUNCIL MEMBERS LIST FOR PERIOD OF 1 MAY 2009 TO 31 DECEMBER 2010

Puan Hajah Salmah Bte Saffar, AMN, PPN, PIS Ketua Whip Ahli Majlis - Zon Kebun Teh Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 19 Jalan Songkit 7, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-3327227 H/P : 019-7285633 Email : salmah@mbjb.gov.my

Encik Tan Hong Hua, PIS Timbalan Whip Ahli Majlis - Zon Pandan Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 8 Jalan Gemilang 3, Taman Perindustrian Cemerlang, 81100 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-3513306

Tuan Haji Abd Rashid bin Kasman Ahli Majlis - Zon Kempas Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 9 Jalan Aliff Harmoni 3/4, Taman Damansara Aliff, 81200 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-2177718

H/P : 019-7101323 Email : tanhonghua@mbjb.gov.my

H/P : 017-7777718 Email : abdrashid@mbjb.gov.my

Y. BHG. Dato' S.Balakrishnan, DIMP, JP Ahli Majlis - Zon Pasir Pelangi Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 108 & 108-A, Jalan Chengal Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-3355535 H/P : 019-7519595 Email : balakrishnan@mbjb.gov.my

YB. Dato Haji Ibrahim bin Abdul Ghaffar, DMSM, JP Ahli Majlis - Zon Permas Jaya Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 31 Jalan Padi Mahsuri 14, Bandar Baru Uda, 82100 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-2382370 H/P : 019-6676767 Email : ibrahimabdghaffar@mbjb.gov.my

Tuan Haji Ahmad Bin Daud Ahli Majlis - Zon Taman Rinting Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 10 Jalan Ros Merah 4/3, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-3522172 H/P : 013-7211381 Email : ahmaddaud@mbjb.gov.my

Puan Tan Lian, PIS Ahli Majlis - Zon Stulang Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 184 Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Century, 80250 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-3315320 / 07-2272985 H/P : 019-7782299 Email : tanhonghua@mbjb.gov.my

Puan Chang Mei Kee Ahli Majlis - Zon Straits View Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 54 Jalan Kemunting, Kebun Teh, 80250 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-2769316/3347154 H/P : 016-7220280 Email : changmeikee@mbjb.gov.my COUNCIL PROFILE

Encik Ramlee Bin Bohani Ahli Majlis - Zon Tampoi Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 18 Jalan Aliff Hamoni 4, Taman Damansara Aliff, 81200 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-2245902/2245903 H/P : 019-7595377 Email : ramleebohani@mbjb.gov.my

MBJB COUNCIL MEMBERS LIST FOR PERIOD OF 1 MAY 2009 TO 31 DECEMBER 2010

Puan Wong Kwee Eng Ahli Majlis - Zon Taman Abad Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 7 Jalan Kemunting, Taman Kebun Teh, 80250 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-3318582/3343598 H/P : 012-7042408 Email : wongkweeeng@mbjb.gov.my

Encik Ang Boon Heng Ahli Majlis - Zon Taman Pelangi Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 2 Jalan Molek 2/33, Taman Molek, 81100 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-2766992 H/P : 012-7883318 Email : angboonheng@mbjb.gov.my

Encik Azman Bin Haji Dawam, PIS Ahli Majlis - Zon Kampung Melayu Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 6 Jalan Setia Tropika 2/12, Taman Setia Tropika, 81200 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-2389304 H/P : 012-7761735 Email : azman@mbjb.gov.my

Encik Neo Khai Beng Ahli Majlis - Zon Bandar Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 34 Jalan Sutera 11, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-3329966 H/P : 013-6188911 Email : neokhaibeng@mbjb.gov.my

Encik Khalid Bin Mohamed Ahli Majlis - Zon Larkin Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 12 Jalan Punggok, Larkin Jaya, 80350 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-2358084 H/P : 012-7086313 Email : khalid@mbjb.gov.my

Encik Yap Chen Heng Ahli Majlis - Zon Bukit Kempas Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 51 Jalan Bakti 48, Taman Mutiara Rini, 80250 Skudai Johor. Pej/R : H/P : 012-7040121 Email : yapchenheng@mbjb.gov.my

Tuan Haji Abdullah Bin Md. Yusof Ahli Majlis - Zon Penjaja Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 7 Jalan Adda 1/2, Taman Adda, 80250 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-2384589 H/P : 019-7519796 Email : abdullah@mbjb.gov.my COUNCIL PROFILE

Tuan Haji Mohd Sunawan Bin Md Som Ahli Majlis - Zon Bandar Baru Uda Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 27 Jalan Jagong, Bandar Baru Uda, 81200 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-2375400/2386400 H/P : 019-7731264 Email : sunawan@mbjb.gov.my

MBJB COUNCIL MEMBERS LIST FOR PERIOD OF 1 MAY 2009 TO 31 DECEMBER 2010

Y.B. Datuk Yahya Bin Jaafar Ahli Majlis - Zon Majidee Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 3 Jalan Padi Huma 1, Bandar Baru Uda, 81200 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-2384444 H/P : 019-7777444 Email : yahya@mbjb.gov.my

Encik Md Ali Bin Alwee Ahli Majlis - Zon Taman Johor Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 3 Lorong 5, Jalan Subang Taman Kobena, 81200 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-2360960 H/P : 019-7162960 Email : mdali@mbjb.gov.my

Encik Leow Kam Choy Ahli Majlis - Zon Kampung Baru Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 12-02 Jalan Putra 1, Taman Sri Putra, 81200 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-5543157/5562849 H/P : 019-7131311 Email : leowkamchoy@mbjb.gov.my

Encik Ng Puay Wah Ahli Majlis - Zon Taman Sentosa Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 11 Jalan Permas 6/4, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 817500 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-3348830/3876737 H/P : 019-7156333 Email : ngpuaywah@mbjb.gov.my

Encik Teo Boon Keong Ahli Majlis - Zon Taman Molek Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 2-A Jalan Austin Height 1/16, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : 07-3519290/3325981 H/P : 012-7229290 Email : teoboonkeong@mbjb.gov.my

Encik Pannir Selvam Ahli Majlis - Zon Mount Austin Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 2-A Jalan Austin Height 1/16, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : H/P : 012-7222255 Email : pannirselvam@mbjb.gov.my

Encik Abd Aziz Bin Tohak Ahli Majlis - Zon Kangkar Tebrau Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru No. 2, Jalan Suria 54, Bandar Baru Seri Alam, 81750 Johor Bahru. Pej/R : H/P : 012-3988817 Email : aziztohak@mbjb.gov.my

Firstly we could see that counsillors are representing the local people in the local government, and they are bringing the voices of the people to the mainstream of development through the local authorities . In the past where elections in local government were effective , councillors are representing their respective wards or consituencies. However nowdays as they were nominated from the ruling political parties, they are representting their political parties and the ruling expected to be capable of representing the interest of their communities, the voice of a Councillor in local authoritys proceedings is the voices of the people. Secondly, councillors are serving or playing their roles in a Committee Systems. The most prominent of the committees is the Standing Committee which is permanent in nature and has delegated powers. Otherr committees are the as-hoe Committee and the administrative and advisory committee, which are temporary in nature and has no delegated powers. All the proposals or otherwise the voice of the Councillors were discussed in the Standing Committee, and where approved shall be the standing committees resolutions. Finally, representations system is seen to be effective through the Full Council where all resolution of the Standing Committees were tabled and debated. If the Full Council agrees, these resolution are considered endorsed and shall become the policy of the Council. Full Council also make major and important decisions for the local authorities. All the policies shall be executed and all decisions made shall be respected and abided by the executive or staff of local authorities, and to most extend also effect the people within the local authoritiys area. In order to fully understand the representative system in local government one has to understand the roles of councillors and the workings of the local authorities systems.

The appointment of Councillors

According to section 10 (2) of the Local Government act, 1976 there are actually four qualifications or qualities that qualify a person to be a Councillor. The Councillor are appointed from amongst the local residents in the local authoritys affairs, or are capable of representing the interest of their communities in the local authority area. The compositions of the office of councillors in any local authority in Malaysia shall consist of the mayor or president and not less than 8 and not more than twenty-four other Councillors. They are to be appointed by the state authority. The term of office of each councillor is three years and they are eligible for reappointment upon expiry of their term. A councillor being a policy maker or an equivalent of a Legislator at the local government level must not serve as a juror or assessor in any court of justice.

THE ROLES OF COUNCILLORS The councillors, as representatives of the local people in the area of Local authority has the following roles and duties to play:

1. As a policy makers Councillors are responsible for policies of the council. Councillors make policies in the interest of the interest of the local authority and the people living in the prescribed territory of the local authority. The policies that have been endorsed in the Full Council meeting shall become the final resolutions of the council, and the councils staff to effect the public at large shall execute that. The policies to be made through the Committee system, where each Committee has their own specific terms of reference.

2. Mediators Where the local authority and the local populace has any conflicting of ideas or decisions over certain issues, a Councillor of the local authority may act as a mediator between the Council and the local people so that issues may be solved amicably through common understanding without to resort to legal action, confrontation or any negative reaction. 3. Financial Checker The power of the councillors is the committee. As a person or individual, a councillor has no authority unless provided by the committee or by the full council in the proceeding. Under the Local Authorities Financial Regulations, 1997 the councillors have tough roles to play. Amongst their duties and responsibilities are: iTo conduct all affairs of the Council in an efficient, honest and trustworthy manner and safeguarding the interest of local authorities at all times iiTo assess the financial resources available to the council and to take action to increase revenues iiiTo allocate the financial resources according to priorities of the projects for inclusion in the annual estimates ivvTo recover all moneys due to the Council in accordance with the laws To ensure compliance with regulation, laws and other instructions relating to finance and account viTo ensure any cases involving irregularities and breaches of duty are

investigated and taken appropriate action.

4. Agent for change Councillors are expected to bring change to the community especially in terms of physical as well as socio-economics developments.

5. The personnel system and organization structure and committee system in the council

The workings of the local government are best known effective through administrative machinery known as the Committee System. Under the system, the committee is set-up to consist of a number of councillors the council sees desirable. They nominate their own own chairman and deputy chairman and committee members. The relevant staff of the Council can sit as the secretariat and in-attendance while other heads of the relevant government department in the area could be ex-officio members. While councillor has the voting power, others who sit in the committee shall abstain from voting unless desired or allowed by the standing order of the Council. The numbers of standing committees in a City council, a Municipal Council or District Council varies . Sometimes the state authority determines the numbers of standing committees in the Councils because the number of committees has a direct relationship with the Council financial positions. The more the committees and the more frequent the council is having meetings, the more will be the councils expenditure because councillors has to be paid sittings allowances and other reimbursable. The local Government Act 1976 had determained that local authorities in West Malaysia shall have their meetings once in a month. The Composition of a Full Council is as follows 1. The Mayor/President/Chairman 2. Deputy Mayor /Deputy President/Deputy Chairman 3. The Secretariat/ The secretary of council 4. Members-all the councillors 5. Ex-Officio members-Relevant head of departments 6. Officers in Attandance- Councils head of Section/Unit 7. Clerk of council( recorder)- Council staff

MBJB Residential Committee The State Government of Johor has approved the setup of the residents committee within jurisdiction of the local authority at the Johor State meeting (EXCO) on the 18th of May 2005 as contained in the manual the residences committee within state of Johor Local authority 2005. MBJB Management Committee Meeting Num. 5/2005 has approved the Manual of The Residents Committee within The State of Johor Local Authority for MBJB use starting from 2006. Function To secure the relationship among the locals. Cooperate in taking care of the beauty and cheerfulness of local housing areas. To create a safe environment in housing estate areas. Identify and inform problems which is available in the village areas and housing estates. Solve and control social problems by instilling positive values and a healthy life culture among the community. Assist in delivering policies an also community involvement in implementing programmes and government projects especially MBJB. To encourage social activites, sporting and community in housing areas. To increase the community awareness regarding the importance of maintaining cleanliness, cheerfulness, and health in the housing areas. Ensure the effectiveness of Gerak Tumpu Programme. To create a self belonging attitude towards public property. Assist MBJB in providing inventory information in all housing areas.

6. The financial resources of the council and problems associated with councils finances

Financial autonomy is very important for a local authority because amongst others it could expedite financial transaction , enable the authority to collect more revenues , and thefore would enable the local authority to fulfil the local demands for better and excellent facilities. Financial autonomy would also upgrade the financial standing of local authorities and help create stable local government with efficient staff and effective service deliveries. MBJB source of revenue divided into two categories which is the land based source of revenue and the non-land based source. The former category is commonly referring to the revenue from the rates of properties or building in the local authority area. The later is more to the contributions of grants from the federal and state governments and the fiscal transfer as well as the revenues from licenses, compound ad fines and earnings from investment. Under the general financial provisions of Local Government Act 1976, section 39 of Local Government Act 1976 the major sources of revenue for local authorities consist of a) All taxes, rates, rent, licence fees, dues and other sums or charges payable to local authority by virtue of the At and any written law. b) All charges or profits arising from any trade , service or undertaking carried on by local authorities under the power vested in it c) All interest on any monies invested by the local authority and all income arising from or out of the property of local authority, moveable or immoveable and d) All revenue accruing to the local authority from the government of the federation or any state or from any statutory body, other local authority or from any other source as grants, contributions, endowments or otherwise. Rates collected by by local authorities are assessments payable for residential, commercial and

industrial holdings.The term assessment or rate assessment as it is normally called is synonymous with household tax or property tax, and in local term as cukai pintu, The ownee of rateable premises within the local authorities area will pay a fixed rate based on annual rateable value of the premise. The assessment rate covers the rate for general purposes which are charged on all premises except that which is exempted by the law, Other charges on assessment rates include the charges for street lighting, scavenging, and road maintenance. The current annual assessment rates are normally about 20% based on the number of services provided as above.Licence fees charged by the local authorities includes all activities under the miscellaneous occupations and obnoxious trades such as hawking, beauty saloon, barber, massage parlors, entertainment, food and drink stalls, restaurants and coffee shops, fish and vegetables licences and dried fruits and candies and etcetera. Investment return orreturn on investment are the interest earned by the council from the money invested in the bank which is mainly made of their reserve funds or development grants which is intransit prior to the execution of the projects. Investments returns are also derived from their fixed deposits.These are also the revenues of the local authorities as explained under Section 39 (c) of the Act.

7. The main obligation by the council.

Briefly, the Local Agenda 21 is a programme for the community, private sector and local authority (PBT) cooperating to plan and manage their area and surroundings towards a stable development as well as a quality life. It should serve a balance between social needs, economy and environment. LA 21 Approach. Partnership betweena PBT (MBJB), community (Society/Establishment), department and government agencies as well as private sector in planning and implementation of sustainable development activities Community Participation 'Bottom - up' approach. Sustainable Development. Development which fulfills todays current needs, without affecting the capabilities of the future generations and to fulfill their needs. [World Commision on Environment and Development (WCED, 1987)]

LA 21 MBJB Action Plan Cleanliness and Recycling Action Plan Health and Safety Action Plan Economy and Tourism Action Plan Social Development Action Plan Beautification Action Plan

Conclusion

It is important to understand the concepts and definition of local government terminologies. Understanding these concepts and terminologies are not as easy as what we think of, and usually those who took them for granted will tend to abuse, misunderstanding and sometimes do not use the words correctly. The existence of local government is necessary because there is always a need to look into the needs of the local area and its people, and the need for local laws and statutes that are suitable to the local needs and environments.

REFFERANCES

1. Local Government Administration by Saudi Narani & noni Harianti Junaidi 2. MBJB website www.mbjb.com.my 3. MBJB Wikipedia.