Several residents’ groups hope new federal territories minister Hannah Yeoh will prioritise city folk and champion sustainable development, as Kuala Lumpur grapples with several development challenges, reported Free Malaysia Today.
Save Kuala Lumpur chairman M Ali praised Yeoh’s appointment, noting that the Segambut MP has been proactive with her constituents.
“Now we are hopeful that she will expand her attention across the federal territories, especially by coming to Kuala Lumpur to meet and interact with the people,” he told FMT.
He called on Yeoh to focus on reinstating local council elections – long advocated by DAP during its years in the opposition – and restoring over 52 water retention ponds, as directed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Ali said he was curious as to how Yeoh, perceived as a proactive and concerned minister in her previous portfolio as youth and sports minister, would manage the complex federal territories ministry.
He said Yeoh would need to handle developers and other vested interests, as well as “hidden hands”.
“We wish her well and emphasise that she should focus on the needs of ‘KLites’ and not fall into the traps of developers and self-interested parties at the expense of the people.”
Meanwhile, the Kuala Lumpur Residents Action for Sustainable Development Association (KLRA+SD) said Yeoh, who is the Segambut MP, should be able to hit the ground running as she already has a strong understanding of the issues and challenges faced by residents.
The group’s honorary secretary, Joshua Low, noted that Kuala Lumpur is faced with unsustainable development which is causing the city to exceed its carrying capacity. He said this has resulted in higher pollution levels, more frequent flash floods, and accelerated biodiversity loss
