The government assures that a study on amending the Federal Capital Act will not affect the powers of the Agong or the Rulers, respecting Kuala Lumpur’s history.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has assured that an ongoing feasibility study on proposed amendments to the Federal Capital Act 1960 will not be rushed. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the study will fully account for Kuala Lumpur’s historical background and existing legal provisions.
“We will wait for the results of the study first, and I will ensure it is brought to the Cabinet for discussion,” Yeoh said during a Dewan Negara session. She added, “We will not touch on the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or those of the Rulers.”
Yeoh was responding to a question from Senator Datuk Salehuddin Saidin. He had asked if the government would consider the city’s historical aspects in its study on amending the Act.
The minister assured there was no cause for concern over the administration of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). “Whatever is created in the administration of DBKL will be based on the law, not only the existing Federal Capital Act,” she stated.
She emphasised respect for the powers of the Ruler, the Executive, and the Legislature. The study also respects the history behind Kuala Lumpur’s formation.
The study is being conducted by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). It aims to introduce governance reforms within DBKL and follows a Private Member’s Bill tabled by several MPs in November 2025.
Addressing concerns, Yeoh clarified the study was commissioned before her ministerial appointment. “This study was given to IIUM before I entered the ministry, before I was appointed as the Federal Territories Minister,” she explained.
She noted the study was finalised and handed to IIUM in early December. Yeoh assumed her ministerial office on December 17.
“The assumption that this is a DAP minister seeking to interfere with that power is not true,” she said. “The study existed before I came in.”
