DATUK Seri Paduka Maimunah Mohd Sharif has been appointed as Kuala Lumpur’s 15th Mayor, making her the first woman to helm the top post in the capital city.
The announcement was made by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 14).
Maimunah’s appointment is in accordance with Section 4(2) of the Federal Capital Act 1960, effective Aug 15.
The 63-year-old former mayor of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) currently serves as Malaysia’s Special Envoy on Sustainable Urbanisation and is a former executive director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
A town planner by training with a degree from University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology United Kingdom, Maimunah began her career at the Municipal Council of Penang Island in 1985.
In 2003, she was promoted to Director of Planning and Development, where she played a key role in overseeing development control for Penang city projects and landscape development.
She also led a team in planning and implementing urban renewal projects in George Town.
In November 2009, Maimunah made her mark by becoming the first General Manager to establish George Town World Heritage Incorporated, managing the George Town World Heritage Site, which was inscribed by Unesco in July 2008.
She then became the first woman to be president of the Seberang Perai Municipal Council in 2011.
Maimunah replaces Datuk Seri Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh, whose tenure as the 14th mayor ends today.
Kamarulzaman assumed the post on April 17 last year and turns 60 tomorrow.
StarMetro learnt that there was a simple retirement party organised by DBKL staff at the lobby of the City Hall headquarters at 4pm today.
