KUALA LUMPUR – Umno Supreme Council member, Datuk Dr. Mohd Puad Zarkashi, has for the party's establishment of a dedicated secretariat to oppose the proposed study on holding an election for the Kuala Lumpur Mayor post.
He emphasised that this initiative is crucial to provide a clear response, similar to the party’s stance when opposing the Urban Reform Bill (URA).
Puad argued that the suggestion of a mayoral election is a serious matter, involving security concerns, city governance, and the autonomy of local authorities.
“Kuala Lumpur hosts numerous entertainment venues, pubs, nightclubs, massage parlours, and other morally questionable activities. There are also various dark activities, cartels, and gangs.
“Not only will this election be influenced by political parties and racial sentiments, but it also holds the potential to be manipulated by cartels and gangs,” he said in a Facebook post on Monday.
Previously, it was reported that Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Hannah Yeoh, had instructed her ministry to conduct a feasibility study for holding a Kuala Lumpur mayoral election.
Puad expressed concern that the electoral process could be swayed by political and racial sentiments, and could be further exploited by interested parties, including organised crime groups.
“Imagine in Kuala Lumpur, where gangs use their funds and networks to back certain candidates. The Mayor’s office would no longer be independent.
“If a public servant makes a mistake, disciplinary action can be taken, but an elected mayor would only be held accountable at the end of their term.
“Therefore, Umno must oppose this. Umno should set up a special secretariat immediately to offer a response, just as we did when opposing the URA,” he added.
Meanwhile, Umno Youth has strongly rejected the idea of holding a mayoral election for Kuala Lumpur, warning all parties not to be complacent with what they see as a recurring power-driven agenda.
Its chief, Datuk Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh, stated in a statement that the latest proposal is merely a continuation of previous efforts, such as the earlier attempts related to Urban Reform (PSB) and Local Government Elections (PBT), which were successfully opposed and thwarted.
“First, there was the PSB, then the PBT election. Now, it's the Kuala Lumpur mayoral election. They remain the same, and we must not be complacent,” he said today.
Dr. Akmal reiterated that, just as the opposition to PSB and the PBT election was successful, the same stance must be taken to reject the mayoral election proposal.
“We must stand firm and ensure that this plan is defeated, just as we did with the PSB and PBT elections,” he concluded.
He also reminded that internal conflicts should not weaken the fight for their cause. “We are busy fighting amongst ourselves over power. They unite for power. Let us not forget that,” he added. - February 2, 2026
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