The swearing-in ceremony of councillors for the 2023-2024 term. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
SEVERAL newly appointed councillors of Penang Island City Council (MBPP) are ready to hit the ground running.
One of them is DAP’s Benji Ang Ming Quan, who has already served in various capacities in the state government over the past 10 years.
“I want to focus on city planning and to help realise the Penang 2030 vision.
Bakar hopes to resolve issues for the people.“With seven years left until 2030, there is ample opportunity to work closely with relevant agencies to achieve all the goals,” said the 34-year-old.
Another newcomer is businessman Bakar Nordin, 60, who has been actively involved in politics for over 40 years.
“My appointment reflects the trust given by the state leadership. I will try my best,” he said after the swearing-in ceremony at City Hall on Monday.
Bakar, who is from Amanah, said MBPP councillors acted as the bridge between the state government and the community.
“This is a platform for me to resolve issues for the people.”
PKR’s Ooi Mei Mei was happy with her appointment for the 2023-2024 term.
“This is an opportunity to learn new things and contribute to the society at the same time.
“My focus will be on helping the underprivileged, especially children and senior citizens,” she said.
Ooi taking her oath at City Hall.
Tanjong PKR division chief Shafiz Rahim Raja, 39, said his vision was to see Penang become a more environmentally conscious place. He plans to boost efforts to recycle and clean up rivers.
“I hope to usher in a new era of progress and introduce innovative solutions in the picturesque Tanjong constituency.”
Shafiz wishes to boost environmental efforts.
The other newcomers are PKR’s Chan Soon Aun and Mohd Roshidi Roslan; DAP’s Choong You Ray, Koay Gaik Kee (Gueno), Lee Seng Hwai and R. Vickneson; Amanah’s Saiful Azwan Abdul Malik, and David Chen Wooi Teong from the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
Umno’s Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman, meanwhile, previously served as MBPP councillor.
Altogether there are 24 councillors in the MBPP lineup who will serve from Oct 1 to Dec 31 next year.
Ten are from DAP, eight from PKR, four from Amanah, one from Umno and one from a non-governmental organisation.
The 11 councillors retained are PKR’s Abdul Latiff Mohamad, Tan Chiew Choon, Mohd Suhairi Arumugam Abdullah and R. Hari Khrishnan; DAP’s Alan Lim Wei Lun, Quah Boon Lim, Rohaizat Hamid, Tan Soo Siang and Theng Jiew Wey; and Amanah’s Mohd Hafiz Abdul Aziz and Mohd Faruk Abdul Rahman.
In his speech, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed his gratitude to MBPP for its commitment in turning Penang into a smart and green state, as well as in inspiring the entire nation.
