M'sian PM Anwar slams 'atrocious' race-based attacks on Chinese federal territories minister appointment

Malaysia prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has slammed criticisms of federal territories minister Hannah Yeoh's appointment that were made on the basis of her race.

Yeoh, formerly the minister for youth and sports, was made federal territories minister in the prime minister's department during the Dec. 16 cabinet reshuffle.

An ethnic Chinese and Democratic Action Party (DAP) member, her appointment appeared to have a number of Malay leaders up in arms, who cited concerns among the Malay community.

Calling the attacks "atrocious", Anwar said it was unacceptable that such views continue to be expressed in modern Malaysian politics, Malay Mail reported.

"To reject a person because of her colour and race, this is atrocious in this day and age. Sometimes, I just can’t understand the level of tolerance of some people," Anwar said.

He further emphasised that Yeoh serves the government, not the interests of her own party.

The racial background of a minister is also irrelevant to their ability to serve, Anwar added.

Concerns among the Malay community

Umno party's federal territories youth leader Aliff Fidaus said Yeoh's "strategic position" threatens the implementation of Umno's agendas, including the hotly disputed DAP-introduced URA Bill, which Umno is seeking amendments to.

Yeoh's appointment was also seen by some Malays as a perceived dominance of one race, he said, noting that this was the first time the position has been held by a non-Malay.

"This trust is the people's trust, not the party's trust," Aliff wrote in a Facebook post, further advising Yeoh to "act fairly, professionally and never marginalise the interests of the urban Malays."

Umno's secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki also chimed in, citing online questions about why a Chinese MP from DAP had been chosen to front such a prime portfolio.

He also raised concerns about the fate of the Bumiputera population, who, according to Malaysia's constitution, are accorded preferential treatment.

Centralisation of power

PAS, or the Islamist Party of Malaysia, similarly voiced its concerns about the cabinet reshuffle, according to The Star.

Addressing the appointment of Yeoh and federal territories deputy minister Lo Su Fui, also an ethnic Chinese, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan warned that the concentration of one ethnicity in portfolios in the federal territories "can raise major, legitimate and unavoidable questions regarding issues of imbalance and excessive centralisation of power."

"The federal territories: Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan, are not normal territories or portfolios, as they represent the heart of national politics and administration," he added.

He further alluded to his party's speculation that Yeoh's appointment was made not on merit, but through political pressure over DAP's alleged threat to withdraw from the government if their demands were not met.

DAP's policies, including the proposed URA Act, will also marginalise certain populations, in particular Malays and low-income groups, he added.

Top images via Anwar Ibrahim/Facebook & Hannah Yeoh/Facebook