DBKL reforms, Kampung Baru, and pardons: Yeoh's new job pressures

 

Deputy DAP secretary-general Hannah Yeoh made history on Monday as the first Chinese and the first non-Muslim minister to hold the Federal Territories portfolio since the post and its various iterations were first created in 1976.

And with that honour comes new challenges on top of the existing responsibilities of the job.

While Kuala Lumpur - one of the three federal territories under Yeoh’s watch - is a diverse city, and Malaysia has touted a message of unity for decades, the Segambut MP’s race will be a major obstacle in some of her duties.

This is especially on matters concerning Kampung Baru and other Malay pockets in the capital.

Backlash over fears that Yeoh’s (above) appointment will finally lead to a local council election in Kuala Lumpur is also expected.

Race-baiting

Already, PAS has played on such fears by highlighting the ethnicity of Yeoh and her new deputy, Lo Su Fui, as well as that of Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

Lo Su Fui

Nga had been a popular punching bag previously, over his proposed Urban Renewal Act, which PAS claimed would be weaponised to marginalise Malays in urban areas.

Meanwhile, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has also called on the government to address concerns about why two Chinese now helm the federal territories portfolio, and what will happen to bumiputera in the city.

He also urged the government to respond to questions about local council polls.

Umno and PAS have long objected to local council elections on racial grounds, claiming it would lead to Malays losing power in urban areas.

DBKL reforms

Beyond the racial rhetoric from critics, Yeoh will also have to contend with pressure from allies who are seeking reforms in how Kuala Lumpur is run, without resorting to an election.

Last month, a group of Kuala Lumpur MPs, including those from DAP, had submitted a private member’s bill proposing the introduction of a councillor-based governance system for the nation’s capital.

This is meant to introduce effective checks and balances to the Kuala Lumpur mayor, a post which critics say comes with virtually unlimited authority.

In addition to these issues, Yeoh will have to face various matters regarding rampant development in Kuala Lumpur.

As Segambut MP, Yeoh has been a champion of sustainable development causes, most prominently in the Taman Rimba Kiara case, where she advocated on behalf of her constituents.

Seat on pardons board

Meanwhile, aside from issues about managing Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan, Yeoh’s new job also comes with one additional responsibility.

As the de facto Federal Territories minister, Yeoh will be the cabinet’s representative in the Federal Territories Pardons Board.

The position became a hot seat last year when former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s appeal came up for consideration, and he was ultimately granted a reduced prison sentence and fine over his SRC International corruption conviction.

The previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong is also said to have unilaterally issued an order to allow Najib to serve the rest of his jail sentence outside prison. The Federal Court will be deciding on the matter next week.

Yeoh, however, is unlikely to inherit any Najib-related issues.

That is, unless the former prime minister also files for clemency, if the High Court convicts him of charges related to the 1MDB corruption scandal in two weeks, and the application is fast-tracked to be heard under the current government.

In any scenario, while Yeoh’s decisions in the Pardons Board will be the government’s position, it will likely be viewed by critics and supporters alike through the lens of her party allegiance.

In a statement last night, Yeoh said her priorities for her new portfolio are for the Federal Territories to be administered transparently and with attentiveness to the realities faced by the people.

This includes improvements to basic public services, sustainable development, protecting recreational areas, and reducing incidents of flooding.

The minister said she will also continue to engage stakeholders through the MPs for the Federal Territories to ensure that the people's voices are heard. - Mkini