Maimunah appointed as the New Mayor of Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr. Maimunah Mohd Sharif has been appointed as the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, replacing Datuk Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh, effective tomorrow.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, stated that the appointment received the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim in accordance with Subsection 4 (2) of the Federal Capital Act 1960.

“She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Planning from the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology, United Kingdom, and furthered her studies with a Master of Science degree in Urban Planning at Universiti Sains Malaysia.

“Maimunah previously served as the Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) based in Nairobi, Kenya, for six years and was the first Asian woman to hold this position,” she said in a statement.

Zaliha mentioned that prior to this, Maimunah served as the Mayor of the Penang Island City Council and the President of the Seberang Perai Municipal Council, and she has also been the President of the Malaysian Local Authorities Association (MALA).

She said Maimunah has 39 years of experience in urban planning, urban regeneration, and community-led development.

Zaliha noted that Maimunah is the individual responsible for restoring UN-Habitat’s position as a thought leader in sustainable urbanization.

Zaliha added that Maimunah has also been tasked as Co-Chair of the Secretary-General’s Task Force on Future Cities and Co-Chair of the Local 2030 Coalition.

“She is now appointed as an Advisor to the International Council for Local Environment Initiative (ICLEI).

“She has received various recognitions at both national and international levels,” she said.

According to Zaliha, among the recognitions received by Maimunah is the title of Malaysia’s Urban Planner of the Year from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.

Zaliha stated that Maimunah has also been an Honorary Member of the Royal Town Planner’s Institute, United Kingdom, an Honorary Fellow of the United Cities of Local Government (UCLG), and an Ambassador of His Majesty King Charles III (King’s Foundation) in sustainable urbanization in Commonwealth countries.

“She has also been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Architecture from the International Islamic University Malaysia,” she said.

Meanwhile, Zaliha expressed her confidence that Maimunah will continue the legacy of her experience and contributions to lead the Kuala Lumpur City Council with integrity.

She stated that this is to ensure the sustainability of development, excellence, and continued prosperity towards an advanced and prosperous Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.

“The highest appreciation and gratitude are extended to Kamarulzaman for all his contributions and leadership during his tenure as the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur,” she said.