Former Penang mayor to be Kuala Lumpur’s first female mayor

DATUK Seri Paduka Maimunah Sharif will become the new mayor of Kuala Lumpur, making her the first woman to assume the top post in the capital city.

In a statement, Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said that Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim had consented to Maimunah’s appointment under Subsection 4(2) of the Federal Capital Act 1960.

Maimunah’s appointment takes effect on Thursday and she will be the capital’s 15th mayor.

The 63-year-old former mayor of the Penang Island City Council currently serves as Malaysia’s special envoy on sustainable urbanisation and is a former executive director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme.

Maimunah takes over from Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh, who was appointed to the post last year. His term ends today.

“I believe that with this appointment, Maimunah will continue to bring her experience and contributions to lead City Hall (DBKL) with integrity, ensuring the sustainability of development, excellence and ongoing prosperity towards a progressive and prosperous Kuala Lumpur,” she said in the statement.

A town planner by training with a degree from University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology, Maimunah began her career in the municipal council of Penang Island in 1985.

She has won several accolades, including being recognised as Malaysia’s Urban Planner of the Year by the Housing and Local Government Ministry. – August 14, 2024.