Chinese MP as federal territories minister raises concerns among Malay community: Umno youth leader

Malaysia's Umno party's federal territories youth leader Aliff Fidaus said that the recent appointment of federal territories minister in the prime minister's department, Hannah Yeoh, has caused concern among Malaysia's Malay community.

Calling the portfolio a "strategic position", Aliff voiced concerns in a Facebook post that her appointment threatens the implementation of Umno's agendas, including the hotly disputed Democratic Action Party (DAP)-introduced URA Bill, which Umno is seeking amendments to.

Yeoh, a member of the DAP and ally of Malaysia's prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, was appointed to the role in a cabinet reshuffle on Dec. 16.

She had previously served as the minister for youth and sports.

Concern among the Malay community

In his post, Aliff acknowledged the appointment of Yeoh, an ethnic Chinese, calling it "history made".

Noting that this was the first time since the establishment of the federal territories that the position has been held by a leader from the DAP and a non-Malay, he emphasised that it raised concern among the Malay community.

Yeoh's appointment was seen by some Malays as a perceived dominance of one race, he said.

"We wish YB Hannah Yeoh well in carrying out her duties, but we would like to remind you that this trust is the people's trust, not the party's trust," he wrote.

He further advised Yeoh to "act fairly, professionally and never marginalise the interests of the urban Malays," whom he claimed have been "increasingly oppressed".

Aliff concluded by declaring that his party, the embodiment of traditional Malay nationalism, will "continue to monitor and speak out to defend the rights of the Malays in the capital".

Handle sentiments wisely

The cabinet reshuffle also sparked remarks from Umno's secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who cautioned that sentiments against Yeoh's and other non-Malay MPs' appointments should be handled wisely.

Citing online questions about why a Chinese MP from DAP had been chosen to front such a prime portfolio, he raised concerns about the fate of the Bumiputera population, who, according to Malaysia's constitution, are accorded preferential treatment.

There were also concerns about the possible introduction of local council elections in Kuala Lumpur, for which DAP advocates and Umno vehemently object, he added.

"These are just some of the strong sentiments widely shared on social media since yesterday’s (Cabinet reshuffle) announcement. They should not be taken lightly."

Top image via Hannah Yeoh/Facebook and Aliff Firdaus/Facebook