"Bonkers" Over New FT Minister...!! Why Is PAS, UMNO “Spooked” By Hannah And DAP?!!

OPINION | "Bonkers" Over New FT Minister...!! Why Is PAS, UMNO “Spooked” By Hannah And DAP?!!


24 Dec 2025 • 10:00 AM MYT


JK Joseph
Repentant ex-banker who believes in truth, compassion and some humour

Credit Image: Malay Mail (Picture by AFP) / Sinar Daily (Photo: Bernama) / Hannah Yeoh.com.


As another shameful and meaningless row over race and religion is sparked in this country following the recent “Cabinet reshuffle”, will the offenders ever be brought to book?


Surely, what many neutrals in this country will be asking is: if a Muslim man Zohran Mamdani can be voted in to become the mayor of New York – the biggest city in Christian-majority United States; why the hostile backlash here when a non-Muslim woman is appointed the minister of the country’s biggest city Kuala Lumpur?


For context, the nation's “capital city” has been hogging the headlines lately after news broke out that a homebred “Klang Valley girl” Hannah Yeoh had been appointed the Federal Territories minister; however, this did not go down well with some so-called nationalists and ethno-religious “extremists” who have responded with warnings and threats – some of which seemed over the top! (Note: Federal Territories comprise Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan)


Isn't Hannah the right person to inject some life and soul into Putrajaya (if they allow her)…?


Nevertheless, UMNO president Zahid Hamidi, who was among the first to come to her defence, reassured that the appointment of Hannah Yeoh along with Lo Su Fui as her deputy, will not undermine the rights and interests of the Malays as claimed by her attackers.


Moreover, according to him, although Yeoh is a DAP representative, her track record while helming the Youth and Sports Ministry demonstrated that there was no racial agenda throughout her tenure.


PAS issues it's usual “holier-than-thou” warnings!


Earlier the Federal Territories (FT) PAS Youth had caused a stir after issuing a “stern warning” to Yeoh “not to bring, revive or nurture the DAP’s agenda", which according to them contradicts Islamic values, Muslim sensitivities and community harmony”.


The group further warned that there should be no talk or compromise on local government election and issues such as the normalisation of LBGTQ and others that erode the role of religion and moral values; they further cautioned that policies that oppress the bumiputra population and marginalise the B40 group while prioritizing developers are also a big NO!


Perhaps, they could see the shadow of her DAP colleague Nga Kor Ming in the background…?


On the other hand, Federal Territories UMNO Youth had welcomed Yeoh as the new FT minister and wished her well; however, it had expressed its “concern” given that her appointment marks the first time in the Federal Territories’ history that a non-Malay leader and an individual from DAP is holding the pivotal position.


It further alleged that the appointment has sparked some concern among the Malay community, particularly the perceived dominance of one ethnic group over such a strategic portfolio; as such, it has urged Yeoh to act fairly and professionally, and never to marginalise the interests of the urban Malays.


Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has lashed out at the criticism of Hannah’s and Lo’s appointments saying it was "atrocious” to reject leaders purely on the basis of their race; he was responding to the remarks by PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, who had criticized the appointment of the duo arguing that the move would strengthen DAP’s influence in Kuala Lumpur and other urban areas.


Nevertheless, PMX had firmly rejected that narrative, stressing that Cabinet members serve the government rather than individual parties; significantly, doesn't the FT ministry portfolio come under the prime minister's department?



Incidentally, at a time when Anwar and his Pakatan Harapan coalition have come under intense pressure to honor their election pledges the appointments may be viewed by some as an attempt to regain the faith of the Chinese community who seemed to have lost trust in the unity government.


Interestingly too, the fact that PAS and UMNO did not threaten to “take to the streets” in protest against the appointments may also be a sign of their covert acceptance and acknowledgement of the DAP stalwart’s reputation and performance track record.


The truth is, Yeoh is viewed by many from both sides of the political divide as fearless and committed – without being overly vocal; moreover, she is well known for her advocacy for good governance and social work as well as her hands-on leadership and people-friendly style.


She is also a popular public figure with close to 600,000 followers on her Facebook - which seems to be more than UMNO “hotshot” Dr Akmal Saleh and PAS strongman Takiyuddin Hassan!


In fact, her appointment has been greeted positively by civil society and city folks with some calling it a good choice as she is perceived to be quite knowledgeable and genuinely concerned about issues in Kuala Lumpur including residents’ rights.


Additionally, there are some who seem confident that she is capable of holding her own when dealing with developers, vested interest groups and other hidden stakeholders.


However, the Segambut MP also has a ruthless and no-nonsense side to her and in August she had initiated bankruptcy proceedings against controversial lecturer Dr Kamarul Zaman Yusoff for failing to settle RM400,000 in damages awarded to her in a defamation lawsuit.


In conclusion, perhaps, what UMNO and PAS fear most is that Yeoh is colour-blind to race and religion – and is capable of doing a sterling job for all; in fact, she might even win the hearts of some of their own supporters! Could all these be the underlying reasons for the frenzied response over her appointment?