Decentralization and Local Autonomy in South Korea : Lessons for Malaysia

Objective – The purpose of this paper is to outlines some experiences faced by South Korea in the transformation towards local election and might as well become as guideline for countries that yet to experience decentralization, such as Malaysia.Methodology/Technique – The paper offers and discusses a qualitative framework for analysis of the actors, decisions and issues involved in local election.Findings – It considers all-embracing experience by South Korea in local election as well as some brief highlights on other countries as well. The issues are grounded in the reality of practiced democracy through local election that presented mixed results of successes and failures.Novelty – This paper adds to the literature by the illustration that most countries faced similar issues and these have been exacerbated by current political climate uprising of stronger opposition. The authors suggest for local election to be implemented in segmentation instead of full-scale operation.Type of Paper: Conceptual