MBPP’s first woman leader Patahiyah Ismail dies at 68

GEORGE TOWN – Penang’s leaders are mourning the sudden death of Datuk Patahiyah Ismail, the first woman to lead the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), on the first day of the Muslim month of Ramadan here following a brief illness.

She is to be laid to rest at a Muslim cemetery in Gelugor.

The former architect rose through the ranks at MBPP, especially when it was still a municipal council, before she was appointed as its first female president in 2010.

In March 2015, she was also appointed as the first lord mayor of the island after the municipal status was upgraded to that of a city in a declaration by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Among those who were first to share their condolences on social media was Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who said that her dedication to serving local ratepayers would never be forgotten.

“May her family members, acquaintances, and close friends stay strong and resilient in the face of the loss of someone they loved,” he said.

State executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo, who oversees the local government portfolio, said that Patahiyah was a hardworking mayor who always looked out for her team. 

He said she had worked hard to push Penang’s agenda to become a greener, smarter, healthier, safer, and better place for all ratepayers.

Datuk Yew Tung Seang, the current mayor, said that Patahiyah was his boss when he was attached to the council’s Building Department in the 1990s.

“Her contribution to Penang will never be forgotten,” said Yew.

Former Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai described Patahiyah as a leader who would go out of her way to meet the needs of the people.

“She was instrumental in helping cement the World Heritage Site status,” he stressed.

More tributes flowed in from civil society members, including conservationist Khoo Salma Nasution; ex-councillor Dr Lim Mah Hui, who was the first candidate from civil society to serve in the council; and veteran activist Datuk Anwar Fazal, who is the chairman of urban rejuvenation agency Think City.

Patahiyah served in a challenging era of a new Penang after DAP swept into power in the 2008 general election and became the first female to lead the council in 2010.

She helped the council meet the public’s expectations after George Town was recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008. – The Vibes, March 23, 2023.