COMMENT In the absence of local government elections, the periodic appointment of new councillors has become a jostle for places by component parties of political coalitions - as well as by some NGO activists with political ambitions.

While this is expected of careerist politicians in the ruling coalition of the state, since when has it become acceptable for NGO activists to vie for such local council seats which are not elected by the people?

Human rights NGO activists are expected to be the champions of people power. If there are to be quotas for any sectors in need, these should be for the poor and the marginalised, not for NGOs. Since when did NGOs acquire special privileges for political positions?