THERE is an even chance that Kuala Lumpur may soon have a new mayor, with the possibility that the city could also see its first female leader.
Datuk Seri Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh’s tenure as the 14th mayor is set to end on Aug 14, having assumed the post on April 17 last year.
Kamarulzaman turns 60 on Aug 15.
With his 60th birthday, the retirement age for civil servants, approaching on Aug 15, speculation is mounting over whether a successor will be named or if Kamarulzaman will be given an extension.
“It’s a 50-50 situation right now. Kamarulzaman is competent at his job. His technical expertise is top notch, but he’s not particularly media-savvy,” said a source.
“He has his strengths and weaknesses. There have been concerns that he isn’t a people person and tends to avoid community events where public engagement is required.
“But that said, the Prime Minister is keen to advance his Madani policies, a significant part of which involves building Madani housing in every new residential development.”
This initiative, the source said was aimed at enabling low-income earners to become homeowners, and it was a top priority.
“Therefore, we need a mayor who is already on board with this vision.
“If a new mayor is appointed, there are concerns that he or she might struggle to catch up. We need immediate implementation.
“Ultimately, it’s up to the Prime Minister,” the source added.
Others believe that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will benefit from an external appointment as Kamarulzaman has been part of the organisation for many years.
Kamarulzaman, who began his career in DBKL in 1991, graduated from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in surveying (property management).
Maimunah has headed two local councils.
There is also talk that the city may see its first female mayor, with Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif’s name frequently mentioned.
Some believe that it is time for Kuala Lumpur, as the capital city, to have a woman in its top position.
The idea of a female mayor is not new, as other city councils in Malaysia have had women in this role before.
In 2012, Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad became the first female mayor in Malaysia when she was appointed to lead Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).
Earlier this year, Datin Paduka Noraini Roslan was appointed the mayor of Klang (MBDK), following its upgrade to a royal city
These appointments reflect a broader trend towards greater gender equality in public service roles in Malaysia, though female mayors remain relatively rare compared to their male counterparts.
Maimunah, the former executive director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), is now Malaysia’s Special Envoy on Sustainable Urbanisation, based in Kuala Lumpur.
Maimunah held the position of UN-Habitat executive director from 2018, based in Nairobi, Kenya.
She is well-equipped to handle the role, having previously served as mayor of Penang Island City Council (MBPP) from July 1 2017 to Jan 19, 2018.
Before that, she was Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) president, the first woman ever to hold the post.
Muhammad Azmi’s civil service career began in 1996.
Another name being considered is Lands and Mines Department director-general Datuk Muhammad Azmi Mohd Zain.
His public service career began in 1996 as an administrative and diplomatic officer, initially serving as assistant director in the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) at the Prime Minister’s Department.
Over the years, he has held various positions, including at the Public Service Department and Federal Territories Ministry (now Federal Territories Department).
He also served as Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) president from Oct 1, 2020 to Dec 15, 2021.
Fadlun is currently Putrajaya Corp president.
Two other names being mentioned are current PPj president Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud along with Federal Territories Department development management director Datuk Nor Muhamad Che Dan.
Before his current role, Fadlun was PPj’s senior vice-president (corporate services) and Nor Muhamad was with the Finance Ministry.
Nor Muhamad is with the Federal Territories Department.
