MINISTER in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh clarifies that the proposal to hold mayoral elections in Kuala Lumpur remains at the feasibility study stage, amid criticism from several politicians opposed to the idea.
“The study was initiated following a Private Member’s Bill tabled by the previous (FT) minister during the last parliamentary sitting,” Yeoh said, adding that it was not a new initiative introduced by her.
“The stage shown is the study phase. This study has been ongoing since December, during the tenure of the former minister.”
Yeoh also sought to allay concerns over the credibility of the study, saying it was being conducted by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), which she described as a reputable institution.
“There is no need to be alarmed. This is not a study conducted by DAP. It is being carried out by IIUM, a reputable university, and I am confident in the quality of their research,” she said.
She added that no conclusions had been drawn as the study had yet to be completed.
“We are still waiting for the findings. Only after we have reviewed whether it can or cannot be implemented will we prepare a Cabinet paper to inform the Cabinet on whether the Federal Territories Department (JWP) should amend the Act or maintain the existing law,” she said.
At this stage, Yeoh said, any speculation was premature.
“We have just begun the study process,” she added.
Umno leaders have, meanwhile, come out strongly against the study on holding an election for the Kuala Lumpur Mayor’s post.
Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi has urged the party to set up a special secretariat to oppose the idea, arguing that a mayoral election raises serious concerns over security, governance and the independence of City Hall.
He warned that Kuala Lumpur’s social landscape and the presence of organised crime could allow cartels, gangs, political interests and racial sentiments to influence the outcome, undermining the neutrality of the mayor’s office.
Puad also said an elected mayor would be harder to discipline than a civil servant, as accountability would only come at the end of a term.
Umno Youth has echoed this opposition. Its chief, Datuk Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh, described the proposal as part of a recurring agenda linked to earlier efforts on urban reform and local government elections, which Umno had previously opposed.
He called on party members to remain united and reject the proposal, warning that internal divisions should not weaken their stance.
