In the context of globalization, urban governance is increasingly faced with complex challenges. Local Authority (LA) as the governance institution is ensconced in bureaucracy is not spared from the issues of inefficiency in dealing with development equality in the city-region (DECR).
The issue became the main focus to be addressed in this article. It is aims to develop a clear understanding the role of efficient urban governance (EUG) at LA level in order to achieve DECR.The theoretical framework of the “EUG in city-region” has been used to investigate the relationship between EUG and DECR. The article is basically based on urban governance concept studied by Gerry Stoker (2006), Neil Brenner (2006), Mark Bevir (2009) and Alan Digaetano (2009).
Reference also made to the concept of city-region by Allen J. Scott (2003), Peter J. Taylor (2008) and John Harrison (2009). The discussion also investigated the extent how ten elements of EUG can enhance DECR and identify which elements of EUG will affect DECR.This paper is based on study which involved 315 respondents representing various stakeholders in Kuala Lumpur City-Region (KLCR).
Analysis of the index measuring EUG in LAs showed that Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) had achieved the highest score of 0. 75 compared with five other LAs. However, only five of ten urban governance elements such as administration and the effectiveness of LA services, public feedback, a strategic vision, transparency and equality are the most effective indicators to enhance DECR.Generally the results indicated that LA is not only responsible to provide services and infrastructures but also should focus on implementation of EUG within the city-region.
Therefore, LAs enable to enhance their efficiency in providing services to stakeholders and development equality. This research contributes more to improve urban planning knowledge in the implementation of EUG in city-regions.
