According to the MPs, one of the ways was to democratise the city by using it as a pilot project for local government elections, including the position of mayor.

“The PN government should review the steps needed to roll out democratisation, starting with Kuala Lumpur, as there are many world-class cities in other countries that hold local government elections for residents to choose their mayor and city council members.

“The federal territories ministry could then be abolished to avoid any overlap in jurisdiction. If successful, this model could be adopted by other local government authorities,” the MPs said in a statement.

For a start, the group has suggested that the ministry establish a bipartisan committee to co-govern the city.

Calling the proposal the “Bipartisan Kuala Lumpur 2024 Committee”, the MPs said it should work alongside the federal government and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in developing policies to develop the federal territory further.

They also urged federal territories minister Annuar Musa to “foster cooperation among the agencies responsible for KL’s development with PH MPs to co-govern KL”.

“The results of the last general election give us the legitimacy to represent the voices and needs of those in our constituencies.

“Today, we live in an age full of trials and challenges,” they said, adding that Kuala Lumpur really needed good governance as well as a fresh and new vision.

In order to become a model city, the MPs said the government must work better with citizens to improve city planning, housing policies and public transport, and also find solutions for the economic downturn resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The statement was endorsed by Tan Kok Wai (Cheras), Fong Kui Lun (Bukit Bintang), Teresa Kok (Seputeh), Dr Tan Yee Kew (Wangsa Maju), Lim Lip Eng (Kepong), Fahmi Fadzil (Lembah Pantai), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa), P Prabakaran (Batu), and Hannah Yeoh (Segambut).