PETALING JAYA: Civil society groups believe newly appointed Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh’s (pic) familiarity with Kuala Lumpur could help advance efforts to address the city’s long-standing urban challenges.
The Segambut MP, who was previously the Youth and Sports Minister, is replacing Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
Save Kuala Lumpur chairman Datuk M. Ali said it would be interesting to see how Yeoh, who has been perceived as a proactive and responsive minister in her previous portfolios, would manage the complex issues in the federal territories, especially in terms of managing developers, vested interest groups and other hidden stakeholders.
“Yeoh was often physically present in her constituency whenever issues arose,” he said, adding that Yeoh’s key priorities should include reinstating local government elections, particularly in Kuala Lumpur City Hall, and restoring all water retention ponds.
Kuala Lumpur Residents Action for Sustainable Development honorary secretary Joshua Low said the group believes Yeoh, as a Kuala Lumpur MP, already has a strong understanding of the issues and challenges faced by residents.
“As such, she should be able to hit the ground running. We look forward to constructive engagement in advancing the wellbeing, inclusivity and sustainable development of Kuala Lumpur in the interest of the rakyat,” he said.
Bukit Damansara Housing Association president Datuk Sufian Majid said Yeoh is a good choice as she is quite knowledgeable on issues in Kuala Lumpur and very concerned about residents’ rights and wants.
“That is a good combination to address some key issues in the city,” he said.
