KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Paduka Maimunah Mohd Sharif has been appointed as the new Kuala Lumpur mayor, effective tomorrow.
Maimunah, 63, is also a former Penang Island City Council mayor.
Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said that His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia had consented to Maimunah's appointment under subsection 4(2) of the Federal Capital Act 1960.
She said Maimunah was not only qualified in urban planning but had also held various positions, including serving as the Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) in Kenya, for six years.
Dr Zaliha said Maimunah was the first Asian woman to hold that position.
"Before that, she served as the mayor of Penang Island City Council, the President of Seberang Perai Municipal Council, and was the President of the Local Authorities Association of Malaysia," she said.
Dr Zaliha added that with 39 years of experience in urban planning and numerous national and international recognitions, Maimunah is expected to make a significant contribution to KL City Hall.
"Her recognitions include being named Malaysia's Outstanding Urban Planner by the Housing and Local Government Ministry, as well as serving as an Ambassador for His Majesty King Charles III's Foundation for sustainable urbanisation in Commonwealth countries."
"I am confident that with this appointment, she will uphold her legacy of expertise and integrity in leading KL City Hall. This will ensure sustainable development, excellence, and continued progress towards a thriving and advanced Federal Territory of KL," she said.
Dr Zaliha also expressed her gratitude to the outgoing KL mayor Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh for his dedicated contributions and leadership throughout his tenure.