New KL mayor appointed, effective tomorrow

Maimunah Mohd Sharif has been appointed as the new Kuala Lumpur mayor effective tomorrow (Aug 15) to replace Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh who is on compulsory retirement.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar approved the appointment, in accordance with Subsection 4 (2), Federal Capital Act 1960.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said Maimunah was responsible for restoring the United Nations Human Settlement Programme’s (UN-Habitat) position as a thought leader in the municipality sustainability, with 39 years of experience in urban planning, urban regeneration and community-led development.

She said Maimunah, 63, was once given the responsibility as co-chairperson of the Secretary-General's Task Force on the Future Cities and co-chairperson of the Local 2030 Coalition and now was appointed as an adviser to the International Council for Local Environment Initiative.

“I believe that with this appointment, she will be able to continue her experience and contribution to lead Kuala Lumpur City Hall with full integrity, ensure sustainable development, excellence and continues progressing towards a developed and prosperous Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur,” she said in a statement today.

“Maimunah has also earned recognition at the national and international level such as Malaysian City Planner by the Housing and Local Government Ministry; honorary member of the Royal Town Planner's Institute, United Kingdom; honorary fellow, United Cities of Local Government and ambassador of King Charles III (King's Foundation) in sustainable urbanism in Commonwealth countries.”

Maimunah also served as the executive director of the UN-Habitat based in Nairobi, Kenya for six years and was the first Asian woman to hold that position.

Before that, she served as the Penang City Council mayor, the Seberang Perai Municipal Council president and the Malaysian Local Authorities Association president.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Urban Planning) from the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology, United Kingdom before continuing her studies in Master of Science (Urban Planning) at Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Zaliha also expressed her appreciation and gratitude to Kamarulzaman for all his contributions and leadership during his tenure as the mayor.

- Bernama

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