KUALA LUMPUR – Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Hannah Yeoh, has defended the proposed feasibility study for a Kuala Lumpur mayoral election, saying there should be no fear in conducting research for better decision-making.
On Facebook, Yeoh shared her thoughts on the importance of thorough studies: “Why fear the study? Higher education teaches us to research, understand issues, and conduct in-depth studies, not just to pass exams. If we want accurate and convincing outcomes, we need data and facts.” She went on to stress the value of making informed decisions.
“I value the learning process in obtaining my Bachelor of Laws degree. That’s where I learned to understand the strengths and weaknesses of policies. Comparing the pros and cons enables us to make careful decisions, saving time and energy from futile efforts, while also avoiding mistakes.” Yeoh concluded, highlighting that wisdom is a key trait of responsible leadership.
“Research makes us smarter. It’s a process that leads to better decisions. Therefore, never fear research. Wisdom is an important element for leaders who are responsible for guiding their people.”
She noted her comments came on February 2, 2026, during the Federal Territories Day holiday reflection.
Earlier, Umno Supreme Council member, Datuk Dr. Mohd Puad Zarkashi, has strongly criticised the proposal.
He called for the immediate establishment of a special secretariat within Umno to oppose the study on holding a mayoral election for Kuala Lumpur.
Puad stressed that the issue is not only about local governance but also involves concerns around security, autonomy, and potential criminal influence.
He warned that the mayoral election could be manipulated by political factions, racial sentiments, and organised crime groups.
“Kuala Lumpur is home to many entertainment venues, pubs, nightclubs, massage parlours, and morally dubious activities. There are also dark activities, cartels, and gangs. Not only would this election be swayed by political parties, but it could also be exploited by criminal networks,” he said in a Facebook post.
Previously, Yeoh’s ministry had announced plans to conduct a study on the feasibility of the mayoral election, which Puad sees as a potential avenue for gangsters to exert influence. He warned that crime syndicates could use their networks and financial resources to back specific candidates, compromising the independence of the Mayor’s office.
“If a public servant errs, disciplinary action can be taken, but an elected mayor could only be held accountable at the end of their term. This makes the office vulnerable to external influence,” Puad added.
Meanwhile, Umno Youth has firmly rejected the idea of a mayoral election for Kuala Lumpur, labelling it as another power-driven agenda.
The youth wing’s chief, Datuk Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh, warned that the proposal was just the latest in a series of power consolidation attempts, following previous unsuccessful proposals for Urban Reform (PSB) and Local Government Elections (PBT).
“First, there was the PSB, then the PBT election. Now, it’s the Kuala Lumpur mayoral election. They are the same, and we must not become complacent,” he said. Dr. Akmal reiterated that the same firm stance Umno had taken in opposing PSB and PBT should be applied to this latest proposal.
“We must stand firm and ensure that this plan is defeated, just as we did with the PSB and PBT elections,” he stressed, adding that internal divisions should not weaken their collective resolve.
“We are busy fighting amongst ourselves for power. They unite for power. Let us not forget that,” he concluded. – February 2, 2026