Shouting match erupts at City Hall Q&A session

A BRIEF verbal commotion erupted during a question-and-answer session at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall on Tuesday when several attendees demanded an extension of the event, despite attempts by the moderator to conclude it.

Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif had just delivered a talk on her professional journey before assuming her current role and was responding to questions from the audience when the incident occurred.

Save Kuala Lumpur chairman Datuk M. Ali took to the microphone, urging the mayor to commit to preserving retention ponds in the capital.

Moderator Cynthia Ng reminded the audience that the session was over and that the mayor was expected at another meeting, sparking a heated exchange.

“I will not give in to you!” Ali asserted, referencing a statement by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirming that 52 retention ponds in Kuala Lumpur would remain protected.

“So far, City Hall has done nothing,” he added. “I want assurance that you (Maimunah) will have the freedom to do your work without political interference.”

Another unidentified guest then took the microphone, questioning the mayor about her stance on restoring local council elections before the event wrapped up and attendees began leaving the auditorium.

Speaking to reporters after the session, Maimunah assured that she would consider all perspectives.

“Please support me and help me to help all of you. We need to collaborate,” she said.