“Kuala Lumpur deserves responsible leadership, mature politics, not fearmongering and rage-baiting,” detractors told

 

A DAP leader has condemned the recent race-based insinuations and attacks on Hannah Yeoh’s appointment as the Federal Territories Minister, calling it “deeply disappointing” and “uncalled for” in a multi-racial society like Malaysia.

DAP Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur treasurer Ben Fong Kok Seng said any Cabinet portfolio, including one overseeing the Federal Territories, must be evaluated based on its administration, governance and outcomes which are delivered through well-established due processes involving ministries, agencies and local authorities.

“The minister’s ethnicity has no part in it. Suggesting otherwise misrepresents how the government actually works, and serves only to inflame racial sentiment,” Fong stressed.

“Yeoh’s public service record speaks for itself. Across her roles as an ADUN, Selangor Speaker, Member of Parliament, deputy minister and youth and sports minister, she has consistently discharged her duties without bias, serving the interests of all Malaysians regardless of race, religion or background.

“She has also repeatedly stated her commitment to being colourblind in serving Malaysians, and her actions have reflected that principle.

“At no point in her previous appointments was race a deciding factor on how policies were implemented or how communities were served. She has the interests of all Malaysians at heart.”

Yeoh’s appointment in the recent Cabinet reshuffle had led to polarised reactions on social media, reflecting the political sensitivities surrounding the historic move with Yeoh being the first non-Malay to hold the Federal Territories portfolio in Malaysia.

She replaces PKR’s Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, who was dropped from the Cabinet.

According to Fong, those who are now questioning Yeoh’s suitability on account of her race should be honest about what they are truly arguing about.

He pointed out that if detractors’ concerns are about policy direction, governance priorities or administrative competence, they should be raised openly and debated based on merit.

“Resorting to racial insinuations is not only unfair, it distracts us from the real work of improving city management and public service delivery,” Fong remarked.

“Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has already addressed this issue clearly by stating that the rights and interests of Malays will not be undermined simply because the minister is Chinese.

“That assurance reflects the reality of our system, where safeguards, institutions and collective Cabinet responsibility remain firmly in place.”

Fong said rather than “inflammatory political narratives”, matters such as effective governance, fair enforcement, urban cleanliness, public safety, support for small businesses and improving the liveability of Malaysia’s cities should remain the focus.

“I call on all parties to stop race-baiting and allow the Federal Territories to be governed based on good governance and accountability, which Hannah Yeoh has consistently stood for,” he added.

“Kuala Lumpur deserves responsible leadership and mature politics, not fearmongering that benefits no one.” ‒  Focus Malaysia