International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) is carrying out the feasibility study on mayoral polls in Kuala Lumpur, not DAP, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, following backlash against the idea.
She said that, after the study is completed, its findings will be brought to the cabinet.
“Don’t be scared, the study is being carried out by IIUM. It’s a reputable university. The study isn’t being carried out by DAP,” she told a press conference this morning.
She was speaking at the signing ceremony of a strategic cooperation agreement between her department and the MACC in Putrajaya.
Yeoh said the study began in December, under her predecessor, Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
On Sunday, Yeoh said she had instructed her office to conduct a study into the feasibility of mayoral elections in KL, as it would be more practical than electing multiple city councillors through local council polls.
The local council election, particularly in the capital, has long been a contentious issue.
At present, Kuala Lumpur and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) are under federal control, with the city administered by a government-appointed mayor.
Critics have argued that this structure concentrates power in the hands of the mayor, with limited checks and balances compared to other local councils.
However, right-wing Malay-based political parties have long opposed the local council election, claiming it would erode Malay power in urban areas where non-Malays are the majority.
At the event, KL mayor Fadlun Mak Ujud said MACC's scrutiny has unearthed unclear standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding contracts and licences as a weakness that DBKL could improve.
This was particularly over the issue of Ramadan bazaar sites, he added.
He announced that a new committee will be formed to tackle the issue, and its members will meet twice a day.
"For Ramadan bazaars in 2026, we have already set the SOPs, and we will form the committee before the Ramadan bazaars begin their operations," he said.
Body cameras, dept staff rotation
On the strategic cooperation with MACC, Yeoh said it will involve all six of the agencies under her department.
"This cooperation includes sharing expert information in the detection and verification of complaints or misconduct, in addition to the distribution of consistent information related to corruption crimes," she added.
She said her department will begin the phased use of body-worn cameras by enforcement officers starting in the fourth quarter of 2026, as part of efforts to curb corruption during field operations.
Speaking on broader anti-corruption measures under the Federal Territories Department, Yeoh said job rotations would also be carried out more frequently, particularly in sensitive and specialised units, to prevent overly close relationships from forming between officers and stakeholders.
Procurement procedures would further be strengthened as well, through the full implementation of online quotation and tender processes, especially at local councils, she added.
The minister further announced a review of risk evaluations for the Lands and Mines Office, which could allow MACC officers to be placed within the office’s integrity unit.
“Many of our local authorities deal daily with millions of people. We want to give them confidence, and we have taken an early step by opening our doors to the MACC,” Yeoh added. - Mkini
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