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MINISTER in the Prime Minister’s Department for Federal Territories Hannah Yeoh has responded to growing criticism surrounding her recent directive for a feasibility study on the potential election of the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur.
In a statement on Monday, she explained that the initiative was rooted in her belief in thorough, evidence-based decision-making, and emphasized the value of research in shaping effective policies.
Yeoh, who holds a law degree, highlighted the importance of higher education in teaching individuals to critically analyse issues, conduct in-depth research, and formulate informed conclusions.
“If we want accurate and convincing outcomes, we need precise data and facts,” she stated. “That’s why I deeply value my educational journey in law, where I learned to understand the strengths and weaknesses of policies.”
Addressing concerns about the time and resources spent on such studies, Yeoh pointed out that comparing the pros and cons of an issue allows for more thoughtful decision-making.
This approach helps to save time and energy while minimizing mistakes. “Research makes us wiser, and it’s a crucial part of achieving better decisions,” she said, reiterating that wisdom is an essential quality for any responsible leader.
The statement comes amid political pushback over her proposal for local government reforms, including the potential introduction of a mayoral election. Yeoh also stressed that such studies should be embraced, as they play a pivotal role in policy development, particularly for issues that affect the public’s daily lives.
Meanwhile, the idea of holding a mayoral election in Kuala Lumpur has faced further scrutiny from politicians.
Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, the Member of Parliament for Titiwangsa, voiced his concern that the matter had not been discussed within the Cabinet.
“Any study or proposal like this should be debated in the Cabinet first. If the Cabinet hasn’t discussed it, then I, as a Cabinet member, wouldn’t know about it,” he said during a Chinese New Year donation event in the capital.
Johari added that, typically, less serious issues are not brought up in Cabinet discussions.
“So far, I haven’t been involved in any talks about this proposal, and I don’t want to get caught up in this political debate,” he added.
Earlier, Yeoh had confirmed that the feasibility study for holding local elections in the capital, including electing the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, had been underway since December.
The study follows a Private Members’ Bill presented by the Federal Territories Member of Parliament in November 2025, aimed at amending the Federal Capital Act of 1960, as part of a broader initiative for governance reforms in Kuala Lumpur. - February 2, 2026
