Klang city swears in non-political councillors

TWO non-political appointees have taken their oath of office as councillors with Klang Royal City Council (MBDK).

They are former Telekom Malaysia vice-president Datuk Zuraidah Mohd Said, who is also an adjunct professor, and former Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) town planner Annie Syazrin Ismail.

Their appointments follow Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s recommendation for 50% of local councillors to be professionals.

Annie Syazrin, a council member of the Malaysian Institute of Planners, highlighted the importance of city planners, and said Klang city had a lot of potential.

“The heritage elements here are very promising and can elevate the city, so we must explore opportunities, especially from a sustainability perspective.

“With support from other councillors and residents, I believe we can achieve that,” she added.

Annie Syazrin also hoped to collaborate with other city councillors.

“Let the presence of professionals in the council remain true to its intended purpose,” she added.

Zuraidah said she planned to use her corporate background in her work and thanked the city council for appointing her to the IT, corporate finance and environment committees.

Zuraidah taking her oath of office.

“The voice of the community is important and I know there are lots of complaints. I will see how we can improve.

“The ecosystem must be complete and concerns from the public has to be passed down to the people in charge to make sure that it is managed and people are given proper service.

“I will find what’s wrong when I visit residents, then analyse and develop a proper action plan to improve their situation,” added Zuraidah.

Annie Syazrin and Zuraidah were among nine councillors sworn in for the 2024-2025 term.

The other seven, who were political appointees, also received their letters of appointment from mayor Datin Paduka Noraini Roslan.

They were Alan Chua (PKR), Ahmad Danish Hairudin (PKR), Erny Afrishah Azizi (PKR), Tan Jee Kian (DAP), Arulnesan Jayabalan (DAP), Mohd Rayme Abdul Rahman (Amanah) and Ti Thong Siew (PKR).

Deputy mayor Mohd Zary Affendi Mohd Arif said the professionals would play a check and balance role in the council.

“They can offer a different, possibly better point of view, which is what we want,” he said after the swearing-in ceremony at the council headquarters.

Mohd Zary added while Klang was the first to adopt the recommendations of the Selangor Ruler, other councils would follow suit.