Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid says the appointment of Hannah Yeoh as Federal Territories minister will not undermine the Malay agenda in Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has stated that the appointment of Hannah Yeoh as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) will not undermine the Malay agenda in the Federal Territories.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim considered several factors before appointing Yeoh and her deputy, Datuk Lo Su Fui, to lead the portfolios.
“All major decisions were brought before the Cabinet, and deliberations were made in accordance with various provisions to ensure that the interests of all parties are safeguarded,” he told reporters after officiating the Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia convocation ceremony.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said this is not a racial issue as the MADANI Government upholds inclusiveness in implementing national agendas.
He noted that although Yeoh is a DAP representative, her track record as Youth and Sports Minister demonstrated no racial agenda throughout her tenure.
The appointment also considered the status of the Federal Territories, which comprise Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.
Ahmad Zahid added that leadership in the Federal Territories remains intact, noting that the mayor of Kuala Lumpur is a Malay and that Kuala Lumpur City Hall is the primary implementing agency.
He gave his assurance that the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers will continue monitoring developments to ensure the national agenda is prioritised.
Tuesday’s Cabinet reshuffle saw Yeoh moved from Youth and Sports to the Federal Territories portfolio, while Lo, a new face from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), was appointed as her deputy. – Bernama
