KUALA LUMPUR – Although no longer mayor, Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan says the city remains close to his heart and hopes it will become a world-class city.
“I want to see a city with rapid development and one that provides business opportunities so everyone can feel they belong to the city.
“Development should also be for small traders,” he told reporters when met at his office before his retirement on September 30.
Prior to his retirement, Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa announced the appointment of former Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) executive director (planning) Datuk Mahadi Che Ngah as the new mayor for two years effective October 1.
Nor Hisham, 64, who had also served as Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) president, said he wanted to see Kuala Lumpur become a people-centred city.
“That is why we get the public to be involved in the Kuala Lumpur Development Plan 2040.
“I want the city folks to feel safe and free when walking in the federal capital.”
Nor Hisham was mayor under two administrations – Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional (PN).
As a civil servant, he said, he had to be neutral in his role.
“As civil servants, we are just like the flag pole at Dataran Merdeka. We stand upright and have to carry out our duties. we have to follow the government of the day and any political issues should be pushed aside.
“The Covid-19 pandemic is actually a lesson, not only for me, but all of us, where some standard operating procedures and regulations have to be changed, such as in the case involving foreigners and the homeless, to meet the current situation.”
Nor Hisham, who had served 40 years in the government service, both at state and federal levels, expressed confidence of his successor, Mahadi, continuing with efforts to upgrade the federal capital.
“I don’t have to be remembered. What I want is to see continuity and improvement on what has been done for Kuala Lumpur.
“I have done the best for DBKL.” – Bernama, October 4, 2020
