KUALA LUMPUR: A feasibility study on the mayoral election in Kuala Lumpur is being conducted by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh (pic).
She added the study was initiated last December following a Private Member’s Bill tabled in Parliament.
“There is no need to worry. 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 in response to criticism from politicians who opposed the Kuala Lumpur mayoral election.
She was speaking to reporters following the signing of a Note of Collaboration between the Federal Territories Department and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) here yesterday.
Yeoh said no conclusions had been drawn as the study had yet to be completed.
“We are still waiting for the findings. Once the study is completed, the Cabinet will review the findings before deciding on its suitability for implementation.
“We will then prepare a paper to inform the Cabinet whether the Federal Territories Department 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.
It was reported that Umno supreme council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi had criticised the study on holding an election for the Kuala Lumpur Mayor’s post.
In a social media post, he argued that a mayoral election raises serious concerns over security, governance and the independence of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
Mohd Puad urged Umno to take a firm stand by opposing the implementation of elections for the Kuala Lumpur mayoral post and to set up a special secretariat to study the implications for security, governance and the stability of city administration.
