1 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES, UKM – ICOSH 2009 CIVIL SOCIETY EMPOWERMENT TOWARDS EFFICIENT URBAN GOVERNANCE IN KUALA LUMPUR URBAN-REGION by AZMIZAM ABDUL RASHID HAMZAH JUSOH JALALUDDIN ABDUL MALEK azmizam67@yahoo.co.uk, hj@pkrisc.cc.ukm.my, jbam@ukm.my ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to discuss on the concept of civil society empowerment towards efficient urban governance in Kuala Lumpur urban-region. This is in line with Malaysia new government policy on the implementation of One Malaysia, People First, Performance Now. National Development has been a major issue in the country’s latest development agenda. The issue is more obvious in urban-region due to its role as an engine of growth economy development. Now, with its sights set on attaining the economic level of a fully developed nation by 2020, Malaysia must focus on securing a credible share of the lead sectors of the globalised economy. The world today needs a new, comprehensive and holistic model of urban governance that involves all sectors (government, business and the civil society) as equal partners in development. Urban governance which integrates all sectors including public, private and other social organisations in participatory decision making. Efficient urban governance is characterized by sustainability, subsidiarity, equity, efficiency, transparency and accountability, civic engagement and citizenship and security. In line with this, Malaysia new government emphasis the importance efficient urban governance that would make Malaysia more competitive and attractive to investors and facilitate the achievement of the nation’s development goals. Keywords: New government, civil society, governance, efficient urban governance INTRODUCTION The world today needs a new, comprehensive and holistic model of governance that involves all sectors (government, business and the civil society) as equal partners in development. Three sectors of national development are involved through interface as development partners of equal position. The framework of governance is vital because in this more complex and modern era, where society is more educated and intelligent. The question of happiness is no longer limited solely to receive the benefits and advantages of development. The matter of happiness it also linked with public participation in the process of how development is planned, executed and evaluated. The objectives are to listen to and channel the complaints and grievances of the people as well as to obtain and endorse their ideas and opinions concerning development. This paper discuss on the concept of efficient in urban governance