Umno leaders push back against KL mayoral election feasibility study
Published: Feb 2, 2026 10:51 AM
Updated: 2:21 PM
Umno politicians have unsurprisingly opposed the Federal Territories Department's study to see whether or not it is feasible to hold mayoral elections in Kuala Lumpur.
Thus far, the pushback has played on sentiments aimed at riling up Malays, and not logical arguments that challenge the merits of such polls.
Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh was reported by China Press that her office was studying mayoral elections, saying it was more practical than electing local councillors for Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
Right-wing Malay-based political parties have long opposed the local council election, claiming it would erode Malay power in urban areas where non-Malays are the majority.
In a Facebook post this morning, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh said the concept of mayoral election must be rejected just like how the Urban Renewal Act (URA) proposal was dunked on.
"We fight among ourselves because of power, they unite for power. Wake up, my brothers," Akmal (above) added, in a clear reference to Malay and non-Malay politics.
Agong’s prerogative?
Meanwhile, Seputeh Umno chief Razlan Rafii - who is an aide to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi - said that appointing the Kuala Lumpur mayor is the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Seputeh Umno chief Razlan Rafii
This is not strictly accurate. The mayor is appointed by the government, specifically the minister in charge of the Federal Territories, with the Agong's consent.
Razlan also accused Yeoh of flip-flopping on the issue of local council polls.
"First, you say you won't do it. Today you say something else. This minister is flip-flopping!" he said on Facebook.
He attached an article where the minister said the local council election would not be the decision of a single party. She did not outright reject the idea.
Underworld influence warning
Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi took the debate in a whole other direction, claiming that mayoral polls will be influenced not just by race, but also the criminal underworld.
"Kuala Lumpur has many entertainment centres, pubs, nightclubs, massage parlours and immoral activities. There are a lot of underworld activists, cartels and gangsters.
"Imagine if Kuala Lumpur's gangsters used their money and network to support certain candidates. The mayor's office would no longer be free," he said.
This is not strictly accurate. The mayor is appointed by the government, specifically the minister in charge of the Federal Territories, with the Agong's consent.
Razlan also accused Yeoh of flip-flopping on the issue of local council polls.
"First, you say you won't do it. Today you say something else. This minister is flip-flopping!" he said on Facebook.
He attached an article where the minister said the local council election would not be the decision of a single party. She did not outright reject the idea.
Underworld influence warning
Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi took the debate in a whole other direction, claiming that mayoral polls will be influenced not just by race, but also the criminal underworld.
"Kuala Lumpur has many entertainment centres, pubs, nightclubs, massage parlours and immoral activities. There are a lot of underworld activists, cartels and gangsters.
"Imagine if Kuala Lumpur's gangsters used their money and network to support certain candidates. The mayor's office would no longer be free," he said.
Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi
He argued that an appointed mayor can have disciplinary action taken against them, while an elected mayor will stay in office until the end of their term.
While support for Umno is declining, as admitted by the party during its general assembly last month, the party still holds significant influence in the cabinet.
READ MORE: Underneath bravado at AGM, Umno worried about its survivability
Two weeks ago, the cabinet decided to hit pause on the URA so that proposals from Umno could be incorporated.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is banking on Umno to deliver conservative Malay support for his Pakatan Harapan coalition.
He argued that an appointed mayor can have disciplinary action taken against them, while an elected mayor will stay in office until the end of their term.
While support for Umno is declining, as admitted by the party during its general assembly last month, the party still holds significant influence in the cabinet.
READ MORE: Underneath bravado at AGM, Umno worried about its survivability
Two weeks ago, the cabinet decided to hit pause on the URA so that proposals from Umno could be incorporated.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is banking on Umno to deliver conservative Malay support for his Pakatan Harapan coalition.
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UMNO, PAS live in perpetual fear of Chinapek, Mormoh and 3rd level elections until bandar bandar are populated by 99.82% Melayu voters
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