KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 19 -- Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh (DAP) took her oath as the new minister overseeing the Federal Territories two days ago, becoming the first ethnic Chinese politician to hold the portfolio.

The Federal Territories portfolio is a complex one, shaped by Kuala Lumpur's separation from Selangor in the 1970s - a move widely seen by historians as aimed at securing federal control over the capital, amid heightened ethnic and political tensions following the May 13, 1969 riots.

In her first remarks as FT minister, the 46-year-old Yeoh said she would prioritise improving basic government services, sustainable development, safeguarding green spaces and public parks, and tackling flash floods.

Yeoh is expected to face difficult ch...