Umno president defends Yeoh, assures FT Malays won't be undermined
Bernama
Published: Dec 18, 2025 2:48 PM
Updated: 6:24 PM
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the appointment of Hannah Yeoh as minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), along with Lo Su Fui as her deputy, will not undermine the Malay agenda in the federal territories.
He said that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had considered several factors before appointing Yeoh and Lo to lead the portfolios.
“All major decisions were brought before the cabinet, and deliberations were made in accordance with various provisions to ensure that the interests of all parties are safeguarded.
“This is not a racial issue, as the Madani government upholds inclusiveness in the implementation of national agendas, including in the federal territories,” he told reporters after officiating the Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) Convocation ceremony in Kuala Lumpur today.
Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, said that 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.
He said the appointment of Yeoh and Lo, from the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, also took into consideration the status of the federal territories, which comprise Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.
Published: Dec 18, 2025 2:48 PM
Updated: 6:24 PM
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the appointment of Hannah Yeoh as minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), along with Lo Su Fui as her deputy, will not undermine the Malay agenda in the federal territories.
He said that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had considered several factors before appointing Yeoh and Lo to lead the portfolios.
“All major decisions were brought before the cabinet, and deliberations were made in accordance with various provisions to ensure that the interests of all parties are safeguarded.
“This is not a racial issue, as the Madani government upholds inclusiveness in the implementation of national agendas, including in the federal territories,” he told reporters after officiating the Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) Convocation ceremony in Kuala Lumpur today.
Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, said that 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.
He said the appointment of Yeoh and Lo, from the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, also took into consideration the status of the federal territories, which comprise Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.
Hannah Yeoh and Lo Su Fui
In addition, Zahid said that leadership in the federal territories remains intact, noting that the Kuala Lumpur mayor is Malay and that Kuala Lumpur City Hall serves as the primary implementing agency in the region.
He also gave his assurance that the prime minister and the deputy prime ministers, including himself, will continue to work together in monitoring developments to ensure that the national agenda is always accorded priority.
Tuesday’s cabinet reshuffle saw a change in portfolio for Yeoh - from youth and sports minister to minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), while Lo, a new face in the federal administration, was appointed as her deputy.
Bung’s son for Kinabatangan?
Meanwhile, Zahid said BN is considering fielding Naim Kurniawan, the son of the late Bung Moktar Radin, as its candidate for the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election scheduled for January next year.
Although the matter has yet to be brought to the Umno and BN supreme councils, Zahid said Bung had previously suggested that Naim be given the opportunity to contest the seat.
In addition, Zahid said that leadership in the federal territories remains intact, noting that the Kuala Lumpur mayor is Malay and that Kuala Lumpur City Hall serves as the primary implementing agency in the region.
He also gave his assurance that the prime minister and the deputy prime ministers, including himself, will continue to work together in monitoring developments to ensure that the national agenda is always accorded priority.
Tuesday’s cabinet reshuffle saw a change in portfolio for Yeoh - from youth and sports minister to minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), while Lo, a new face in the federal administration, was appointed as her deputy.
Bung’s son for Kinabatangan?
Meanwhile, Zahid said BN is considering fielding Naim Kurniawan, the son of the late Bung Moktar Radin, as its candidate for the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election scheduled for January next year.
Although the matter has yet to be brought to the Umno and BN supreme councils, Zahid said Bung had previously suggested that Naim be given the opportunity to contest the seat.
Naim Kurniawan
He also said feedback from voters in Kinabatangan towards Naim has also been positive.
“Nevertheless, I need to hold discussions with fellow leaders as well as our partners in the Sabah state government,” he added.
The Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state seats fell vacant after Bung’s death on Dec 5.
The Election Commission has set the polling day for the by-elections on Jan 24, with nomination day and early voting scheduled for Jan 10 and Jan 20, respectively.
In the Sabah state election on Nov 29, Bung defended the Lamag seat by 153 votes in a six-way contest.
He also said feedback from voters in Kinabatangan towards Naim has also been positive.
“Nevertheless, I need to hold discussions with fellow leaders as well as our partners in the Sabah state government,” he added.
The Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state seats fell vacant after Bung’s death on Dec 5.
The Election Commission has set the polling day for the by-elections on Jan 24, with nomination day and early voting scheduled for Jan 10 and Jan 20, respectively.
In the Sabah state election on Nov 29, Bung defended the Lamag seat by 153 votes in a six-way contest.
Baguslah. Hannah boleh selesaikan Kampung Bharu punya pasal. Sometimes we need a non-Ishmael to solve an Ishmael problem.
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