Yeo Boon Hai to be Kota Kinabalu mayor

KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Yeo Boon Hai (pic) will replace Datuk Abidin Madingkir as mayor.

In announcing this, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said Yeo would replace Abidin, who would be retiring, with effect Tuesday as Kota Kinabalu city marks its 14th anniversary.

Yeo is the first Chinese to hold the post as Kota Kinabalu mayor since the state capital was made a city in 2002.

In congratulating the new mayor Sunday, Musa said Yeo would carry out his task with a high level of dedication, responsibility and commitment.

Various political parties both in the Barisan Nasional and the Opposition have long called for a Chinese to hold the post of mayor.

The Sipitang-born Yeo, 59, an environmental biologist from the University of London by training, began his career in the civil service in 1980 as a state environmental officer.

He held various positions in the civil service including as Sandakan Municipal Council president, district officer for Kudat and Beaufort, and chief assistant director for the state Civil Service Department.

His last position is director-general of Kota Kinabalu City Hall.

Yeo, who will the fourth mayor for the city, could not be immediately reached for comments over his appointment.

Musa meanwhile thanked Abidin for his outstanding contributions for bringing about changes and progress to the city.