03/02/2026

TUESDAY | FEB 3, 2026 3 Yeoh defends research on KL mayoral polls PETALING JAYA: Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh has defended her ministry’s decision to conduct research ahead of a potential mayoral election in Kuala Lumpur, emphasising the importance of evidence-based decision-making. In a Facebook post shared in conjunction with Federal Territory Day, titled “Why Fear Research?”, Yeoh said that comparing the pros and cons allows leaders to make careful decisions, saving time and energy while avoiding mistakes. “Research makes us wiser. It is also a process for arriving at better decisions. Therefore, never fear research. Wisdom is an essential element for a responsible leader guiding their people.” She added that like higher education, research teaches us to investigate and understand issues deeply, not just to pass exams. “If we want accurate and convincing outcomes, we need precise data and facts.” Reflecting on her own academic journey, Yeoh said: “That is why I truly value every step of my learning process in earning my Bachelor of Laws degree. It was there that I learned to understand the strengths and weaknesses of any policy.” While Yeoh did not specify whom or what she was referring to, several political leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with her decision to conduct studies on the potential local election. On Sunday, an English-language daily reported that Yeoh had directed her office to carry out a feasibility study on holding a mayoral election for Kuala Lumpur. She said this approach would be more practical than electing multiple city councillors through local council polls. In response, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi urged the party to set up a special secretariat to oppose the study, describing it as a serious matter with implications for security, urban governance and local authority autonomy. He said such an initiative was necessary to provide a clear counter-response, similar to Umno’s opposition to the Urban Renewal Act (URA). In a separate Facebook statement, Umno Youth also voiced strong opposition to the proposal, warning the public not to be distracted by what they described as a repeated, power-driven agenda. Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the latest proposal appeared to be a continuation of previous efforts, including the URA and local government elections, both of which were opposed and blocked. “First it was the URA, then the local government elections. Now it’s the Kuala Lumpur mayoral election. They keep pushing, so we must not be careless,” he said. Muhamad Akmal emphasised that just as the URA and the local government elections were rejected, the same stance should be taken by all parties to oppose the mayoral election proposal. He also reminded party members not to let internal conflicts weaken their collective strength. “We get busy fighting among ourselves over power. They unite for power. Wake up, my brothers,” he added. – By Harith Kamal

‘Penang ownership not settled at independence’

o Historical records suggest Kedah’s territorial rights were never extinguished, with boundaries defining administration, not land title, says constitutional law expert

Kedah’s rights were formally confirmed, similar to how Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya were made federal territories. Cautioning against politicising sovereignty issues, he said: “Political discourse must be guided by the rule of law, based on constitutional provisions read in harmony with legal and historical documents.” He emphasised that Penang’s sovereignty ultimately lies with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who represents the Malay Rulers, including the Sultan of Kedah. “The administration of Penang is carried out under the Penang state constitution and the Federal Constitution,” he said, adding that this arrangement does not, in his view, negate the rights of the sultan or the Kedah government over the historical title to Penang’s territory. As a solution, he suggested that the Federal and Penang governments hold discussions with Kedah to resolve any outstanding legal issues to end the dispute amicably within the spirit of a federation. “This could include negotiations over formal ownership arrangements, possible compensation for lost revenues under Article 110A or other solutions agreed by the Sultan of Kedah.” The issue resurfaced after Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said Penang historically belongs to Kedah, claiming the island and Seberang Perai were leased to the British in 1791. The Penang government, however, insists the territories were effectively ceded after independence and that Penang’s status as a state is legally settled.

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

committees show that Kedah’s rights were considered intact when Penang became a state. He said the Kedah–Penang (Alteration of Boundaries) Act 1985, which adjusted administrative boundaries, did not settle the question of ownership. “The issue is not about boundary lines – it is about who legally owns Penang’s territory.” Wan Ahmad Fauzi also said that Article 166(3) of the Constitution, which once gave the Penang government a legal lease over the island and Seberang Perai, was repealed in 1963. The ownership question is complicated, he said, because under an 1869 treaty the British Crown only had rights to Penang while it controlled the territory. “As a result, the British could not transfer those rights when they no longer possessed the land on Aug 31, 1957.” He further said while Penang’s state government was established in 1957, any formal transfer of ownership should have involved the sultan and the government of Kedah to affect a new lease agreement. He said Article 166(3) was meant as a temporary measure and was voidable unless

PETALING JAYA: Kedah’s claim to historical rights over Penang is not necessarily about reclaiming control of the state but highlights unanswered legal questions over who truly owns the land after independence. International Islamic University Malaysia constitutional law expert Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Wan Ahmad Fauzi Wan Husain said historical records and the Constitution suggest that Kedah’s territorial rights over Penang were never fully lost when the state joined the Federation of Malaya in 1957. “Article 1(3) of the Federal Constitution, which defines the boundaries of Malaysia’s states, must be read together with Clause 5 of the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1957,” he explained. “This provision only defines the boundaries within which Penang’s state government can manage its administration. It does not determine who actually owns the land.” He added that records of discussions involving the Sultan of Kedah, the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal and constitutional

Wan Ahmad Fauzi said Kedah’s assertion of historical rights over Penang focuses on unresolved post-independence ownership issues and not control of the state. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

Repairs on Jalan Lojing-Gua Musang slope to begin in March: Nanta GUA MUSANG: Work to repair the slope along route FT185, Section 107.6, Jalan Lojing-Gua Musang is expected to begin in March, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. the quality of road infrastructure, including slopes, for the comfort and safety of road users.”

the highway, specifically the section in Perak or route FT004, under the first rolling plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan to ensure the route is safer, comfortable and more resilient. He also said preliminary work for the project could commence this year and hoped that some of it could be physically implemented next year. – Bernama

all types of vehicles due to a landslide on Dec 3 last year. In another development, Nanta said the government has allocated RM96 million to upgrade the East West Highway (JRTB), involving the section in Kelantan. On Sunday. Nanta was reported to have said the government has allocated RM350 million to upgrade

“The slope engineering branch of the Public Works Department (PWD) as the project director would be given the responsibility of planning, managing and supervising the slope’s maintenance work. The long-term contract for the implementation of maintenance for this slope reflects the government’s concern and commitment to continue improving

He told reporters this after surveying the sites of packages 3B and 3C of the Lingkaran Tengah Utama project here yesterday, which was also attended by Kelantan PWD director Nik Badlihisham Nik Ismail. The route had to be fully closed to

He said a temporary road diversion would be initially constructed so that the route could be reopened to motorists.