Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh defends research into a Kuala Lumpur mayoral election, calling it essential for evidence-based policy decisions.
PETALING JAYA: Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh has defended her ministry’s decision to conduct research ahead of a potential mayoral election in Kuala Lumpur, emphasising the importance of evidence-based decision-making.
In a Facebook post shared in conjunction with Federal Territory Day, titled “Why Fear Research?”, Yeoh said that comparing the pros and cons allows leaders to make careful decisions, saving time and energy while avoiding mistakes.
“Research makes us wiser. It is also a process for arriving at better decisions. Therefore, never fear research. Wisdom is an essential element for a responsible leader guiding their people.”
She added that like higher education, research teaches us to investigate and understand issues deeply, not just to pass exams.
“If we want accurate and convincing outcomes, we need precise data and facts.”
Reflecting on her own academic journey, Yeoh said: “That is why I truly value every step of my learning process in earning my Bachelor of Laws degree. It was there that I learned to understand the strengths and weaknesses of any policy.”
While Yeoh did not specify whom or what she was referring to, several political leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with her decision to conduct studies on the potential local election.
On Sunday, an English-language daily reported that Yeoh had directed her office to carry out a feasibility study on holding a mayoral election for Kuala Lumpur.
She said this approach would be more practical than electing multiple city councillors through local council polls.
In response, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi urged the party to set up a special secretariat to oppose the study, describing it as a serious matter with implications for security, urban governance and local authority autonomy.
He said such an initiative was necessary to provide a clear counter-response, similar to Umno’s opposition to the Urban Renewal Act (URA).
In a separate Facebook statement, Umno Youth also voiced strong opposition to the proposal, warning the public not to be distracted by what they described as a repeated, power-driven agenda.
Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the latest proposal appeared to be a continuation of previous efforts, including the URA and local government elections, both of which were opposed and blocked.
“First it was the URA, then the local government elections. Now it’s the Kuala Lumpur mayoral election. They keep pushing, so we must not be careless,” he said.
Muhamad Akmal emphasised that just as the URA and the local government elections were rejected, the same stance should be taken by all parties to oppose the mayoral election proposal. He also reminded party members not to let internal conflicts weaken their collective strength.
“We get busy fighting among ourselves over power. They unite for power. Wake up, my brothers,” he added.
