Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday (17 December) called out those who criticised the appointment of Hannah Yeoh as the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) in the recent Cabinet reshuffle.
Responding to those rejecting Yeoh’s appointment simply because of her ethnicity, Anwar reportedly said he was baffled by the level of intolerance of some politicians.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
Several politicians took issue with Yeoh’s appointment as Federal Territories Minister
Previously, the appointments of Yeoh and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tawau, Lo Su Fui, as Minister and Deputy Minister, respectively, in the Federal Territories portfolio were slammed by several political leaders.
These included the Federal Territories UMNO Youth Chief, who stated that Yeoh’s appointment raised concerns among the Malay community, the UMNO Secretary-General, who questioned why two MPs of Chinese ethnicity were appointed to lead the portfolio, and the PAS Secretary-General, who claimed Yeoh’s appointment was to make DAP more dominant in Kuala Lumpur and other urban areas.
Hannah Yeoh
Anwar slams those who reject Cabinet appointments simply because of their ethnicity
Speaking at a briefing for local and global editors and senior journalists in Putrajaya yesterday, the Prime Minister was quoted by local media as saying that it is unacceptable to reject someone simply due to their skin colour or race.
“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 intolerance of some people,” stated Anwar.
He further defended Yeoh, saying that she represents the Government and its policies in the Cabinet, not her party, DAP.
Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, the Prime Minister asserted that the Cabinet reshuffle was made to inject fresh ideas and energy into several ministries, including involving more young leaders to accelerate the reform agenda.
“The MADANI Cabinet will intensify its efforts in the coming year to ensure more meaningful reforms that align with the people’s demands, while firmly opposing malicious narratives that incite division, racism, and religious extremism,” added Anwar.
So, what do you guys think of the Prime Minister’s statement? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: UMNO Youth Says Hannah Yeoh’s Appointment as FT Minister Raises Concerns Among Malay Community
