ACADEMICS CALL FOR HANNAH'S APPOINTMENT TO BE JUDGED ON MERIT, NOT RACIAL SENTIMENT 

By Ahmad Aidil Syukri Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- Hannah Yeoh's appointment as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) should be judged on her experience, track record, and the existing governance framework, rather than on perception or racial sentiment.

Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali, director of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, said that from an academic and governance perspective, Hannah is a highly qualified candidate for the role, citing her extensive administrative background and historic appointment as the first female Speaker of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly.

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“In terms of her track record, Hannah is an outstanding figure. Even former International Trade and Industry Minister, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, has previously acknowledged her capabilities,” he told Bernama.

Mazlan added that Hannah's position as MP for Segambut, which is located within the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, also aligns with the requirements of her new portfolio.

He emphasised that Hannah's political roots in Kuala Lumpur enable her to understand firsthand the issues faced by city dwellers, including the cost of living, housing, the concerns of small-time traders, and urban infrastructure challenges.

“She is known as a people's representative who helps the grassroots, regardless of race. This demonstrates her inclusive and service-oriented approach,” he said.

Addressing concerns from some quarters regarding the minister's racial background, Mazlan stressed that the issue is largely one of perception and political narrative.

“In reality, a Federal Territories Minister cannot make policy decisions unilaterally. All decisions must be discussed and finalised at the Cabinet level, with the Prime Minister as the ultimate decision-maker,” he explained. 

He stressed that fears of the appointment disadvantaging any community are unfounded and misaligned with the country's governance structure.

Meanwhile, Federal Territory Gerakan Belia 4B Malaysia deputy chairman, Am Amar Izzuden Hamidun, viewed the appointment of a minister who is also a member of parliament from the Federal Territory as an advantage for understanding local issues and ensuring effective policy implementation.

He said young people expect more progressive, inclusive, and youth-friendly policy approaches under Hannah's leadership, particularly regarding job opportunities, entrepreneurship, affordable housing, and urban youth human capital development.

“Today's youth evaluate leadership based on capability, integrity, and a genuine concern for the people's welfare, not racial background,” he concluded.

-- BERNAMA