Rightist Groups Unhappy Hannah Yeoh Made Ft Minister Dap Seen Controlling Malay Landholding

---

 
LIKE it or not, it is inevitable for yesterday’s (Dec 16) Cabinet reshuffle spotlight to fall on Hannah Yeoh following the swap from her Youth and Sports portfolio to Federal Territories (FT) Minister although this can be perceived as a promotion for the DAP lawmaker.
This is given that many so-called ‘ultra-Malay’ groups and individuals have voiced discontent and concern over the unprecedented nature of “two Chinese at the same time” helming the Ministry overseeing the administration and development of all three FTs in Malaysia, namely Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.
In her new capacity, Yeoh who is also the Segambut MP will have a deputy in Datuk Lo Su Fui, the Tawau MP from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

As aptly pointed out by Pahang PKR deputy information chief Norman Daud, this is firstly not an issue of qualification but the very fact that Yeoh’s predecessor Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa has fulfilled her duties diligently “without much drama” since her health portfolio swap in the first Madani Cabinet reshuffle on Dec 12, 2023.
Editor’s Note: Dr Zaliha was one of the two ministers and one deputy minister dropped in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s latest Cabinet reshuffle to fill vacancies and re-align portfolios.
Also dropped are religious affairs minister Senator Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar who is replaced by his deputy Senator Dr Zulkifli Hassan and deputy national unity minister K. Saraswathy who is succeeded by Segamat MP R. Yuneswaran.
“That’s why I wonder what is the real basis for this change. Is it a policy failure? Or just internal political manoeuvring? From a performance perspective, it is difficult to justify the urgent need to replace Dr Zaliha at this time,” he penned on his Facebook page.

“Hannah Yeoh’s appointment needs to be read in the context of Malaysian political reality, not from a purely idealistic perspective.”
‘Handling live bullets’
Added Norman who is also the PKR Bera division information chief:
This is not a matter of racism, nor is it a matter of denying anyone’s ability. This is a matter of sentiment. I’m confident in YB Hannah’s ability but the FTs ministerial position is a sensitive portfolio that includes Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.
Putrajaya is the administrative centre of the country, a symbol of executive power. Labuan is the offshore financial centre and a strategic area of ​​the country. Any decision under this ministry will always be interpreted through the lens of power and race.
When the minister and his deputy aren’t Malay, the opposition doesn’t need complicated arguments. They only need perception.
My concern is that the Madani government is now giving live ammunition to the opposition. These bullets don’t have to be accurate, just emotional.
And the opposition is an expert in this arena. If this issue explodes, the impact will definitely be strong and could shake the current government.
Echoing such view is former editor Norman Radzuan who cautioned that FT “is a sensitive area especially for the Malays”.
“Remember that FT isn’t limited to KL but includes Putrajaya and Labuan. Imagine how a little misstep by demolishing Malay-run street stalls can surely make the Malays scream and the DAP getting chastised,” he opined in a FB post.

“What worries me more is why the position of deputy minister was also given to the Chinese. I’m not racist but there should be a balance to balance the needs of the Malays.”
Added the once editorial pioneer of media group Karangkraf and especially Malay language daily Sinar Harian:
I believe the opposition will make Hannah Yeoh a ‘scapegoat’ to spark ‘anti-Chinese’ sentiments. Provocations will be carried out as early as next year.
If a controversial issue occurs, recovery will be difficult because the Deputy Minister is also a Chinese. This is my concern because historically, racial issues began in Kuala Lumpur.
My reminder to Hannah Yeoh is to be careful with your words, behaviour and decisions because a wrong decision can shake the Madani government. 
- FOCUS MALAYSIA

---