Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh has clarified that the feasibility study on the proposed direct election of the Kuala Lumpur mayor is being conducted by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).
Study started under previous minister
She explained that the study has been underway since December 2025, during the time when Zaliha Mustafa was heading the ministry.
Yeoh described the research as still in its initial stage, making it too early to offer further details or conclusions.
“This study is not being conducted by DAP. It is being carried out by IIUM, whose research I trust to be of high quality, and I do not yet have the results,” she said.
She made the remarks after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the federal territories department and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission at Menara Seri Wilayah in Putrajaya today.
Next steps after study completion
Yeoh added that once the study is reviewed and its findings determine what is feasible, the ministry will prepare a paper for the Cabinet.
This paper will advise whether the federal territories department should pursue amendments to the relevant law to enable mayoral elections or not.
Addressing politicisation concerns
Earlier today, DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook said the proposal for mayoral elections should not be politicised.
He noted support from former Umno leader Khairy Jamaluddin and PKR MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad for democratising the Kuala Lumpur City Hall leadership.
Yesterday, Yeoh questioned the “fear” expressed by some quarters over the review process.
She stressed that such a study is essential to ensure policies are based on accurate facts and reliable data.
