Denden Alicias, July 2009

Participatory governance processes have mushroomed around the world but a number of studies have already pointed out to the failures of sustaining the participatory projects and in empowering ordinary citizens.  In this article, I draw attention to a complicated set of enabling  factors  for  success  in participatory governance.   The  insights and  lessons  here are  culled  from  the  studies  of  Rebecca  Abers  on  the  internationally  acclaimed participatory budget policy in Porto Alegre, Brazil.  With the rise of progressive political parties  in  Southeast  Asia,  coupled  with  the  introduction  of  participatory  governance spaces  in  conjunction  with  decentralization,  the  insights  from  Porto  Alegre  may  be helpful in thinking about local governance transformations in the region.

• A  dual  process  of  commitment  building  is  necessary  for  the  success  of participatory institutions.

State  actors  (politicians  and  bureaucrats)  and  ordinary  citizens  should  be motivated  to support,  take  part  in,  and  respect  participatory  processes.   Without  the motivation  and commitment, polices are unlikely to be empowered and participatory.

Taking a  realistic  view of  the motivations of  state actors, Abers  (n.d., 2000) argues  that political will is not enough.  Reform efforts of progressive state actors create political and practical  burdens  that,  more  often  than  not,  they  cannot  withstand.    Politically,  the attempt to transfer power to a forum, where ordinary citizens can make decisions, means taking power away from those that have it and who also possess the resources and ability to  resist  such  change.   Practical  problems  also  arise  in  participatory  process  especially when  the  state administration pushing  it  is  inefficient and  lack  funding.    “Participatory decision-making  requires money  to organize  the process and  financial, operational, and legal capacity to implement its results”.

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Local government in Malaysia occupies the third and lowest level after the federal and state governments.  Under the federal Constitution (paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Ninth Schedule), local government is the responsibility of the states, but the federal government also exercises considerable power and influence over local government, especially in peninsular Malaysia. The dynamic of the Malaysian federal system is such that it has shifted the balance of power to the center.

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