KUALA LUMPUR – Civil society groups are optimistic that newly appointed Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh’s familiarity with Kuala Lumpur could help address the city’s persistent urban issues.
Hannah, the Segambut MP, replaces Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and brings experience from her previous roles as Youth and Sports Minister, Women, Family and Community Development deputy minister, Selangor state assemblywoman, and Speaker of the Selangor State Assembly.
Speaking to Scoop, Save Kuala Lumpur chairman Datuk M. Ali said Hannah’s track record as a proactive minister positions her well to manage the complex web of developers, vested interests, and other stakeholders in the Federal Territories.
“She previously served as a Selangor state assemblywoman and was also the Speaker of the Selangor State Assembly. With that background, she should have a broad and balanced understanding of complex national issues, including race and governance,” he said when contacted.
He added that Hannah’s hands-on approach during her time as sports minister, where she engaged with a diverse range of sporting bodies, has prepared her for the challenges ahead.
“Even during her time as sports minister, she had to manage stakeholders from various sporting bodies, from sepak takraw and badminton to many other disciplines. So as an FT minister, I believe she has the experience and exposure needed to understand and manage the situation effectively.”
According to Ali, Hannah’s priorities should focus on restoring key governance mechanisms and public infrastructure.
“First, local government elections must be reinstated, particularly in the Federal Territories. This includes the election of mayors and councillors. This has long been a core principle of DAP and Pakatan Harapan (PH), even before PH was formally established,” he said.
He also highlighted the need to restore water retention ponds, citing directives from the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that were not implemented.
“The Prime Minister has already directed that all water retention ponds must be restored to their original purpose. This applies to all parties, including government departments, developers and private individuals. However, no one followed through.”
Other challenges he pointed out include tightening potential governance leakages and ensuring development approvals involve proper community engagement.
“Development approvals must involve proper community engagement. Local residents should be consulted before approvals are granted, not informed only after damage has already been done,” he said.
Meanwhile, Joshua Low, honorary secretary of Kuala Lumpur Residents Action for Sustainable Development, expressed confidence in Hannah’s ability to “hit the ground running.”
“As a MP based in Kuala Lumpur, she already has a strong understanding of the issues and challenges faced by residents. 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.
At the same time, Bukit Damansara Housing Association president Datuk Sufian Majid echoed the sentiment, citing that Hannah is a good choice for the role.
“She has consistently shown concern for residents’ needs and rights. We hope she will prioritise transparency in development projects and ensure that the voices of local communities are heard before decisions are made,” he said. – December 17, 2025