Feasibility study won’t touch on powers of Agong, rulers, says Hannah

2026-03-02 - 06:14

The study, conducted by International Islamic University Malaysia, is aimed at introducing governance reforms in DBKL. KUALA LUMPUR: The government today said that the ongoing feasibility study on proposed amendments to the Federal Capital Act 1960 will not be rushed and will take into full account the historical background of Kuala Lumpur’s formation as well as existing legal provisions. Federal territories minister Hannah Yeoh said historical considerations would be respected throughout the study process. “We will wait for the results of the study first, and I will ensure that it is brought to the Cabinet for discussion. We will not touch on the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or those of the rulers. “I assure you there is no cause for concern because whatever is created in the administration of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will be based on the law, not only the existing Federal Capital Act. “We respect the powers of the ruler, as well as the executive and legislative powers, and the history behind the formation of Kuala Lumpur,” she said during an oral question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara today. She was responding to a question from Senator Salehuddin Saidin, who asked whether the government would consider Kuala Lumpur’s historical aspects in its study on the feasibility of amending the Act. The study, conducted by International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), is aimed at introducing governance reforms in DBKL. It follows a private member’s bill tabled by several MPs last November. Addressing concerns that the study might signal an intention to alter the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s power to appoint the mayor, Yeoh said the study had been commissioned before her appointment as minister. “This study was given to IIUM before I entered the ministry, before I was appointed as the federal territories minister. The study was finalised and handed to IIUM in early December, while I assumed office on Dec 17. “So the assumption that this is a DAP minister seeking to interfere with that power is not true. The study existed before I came in,” she said.