Maimunah praised for town planning approach, while city folk hope her beneficial initiatives can continue
KUALA LUMPUR’s outgoing mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif’s guiding principle throughout her service is prioritising the needs and well-being of residents.
She referred to this move as restoring “the human spirit” in city governance.
“From the very beginning, I wanted every policy, every project and every decision to give meaning to people’s lives.
“I wanted to ensure the city never forgets those who need it most,” she said in her farewell speech at Menara DBKL 1 before clocking out yesterday.
Effective Nov 17, Maimunah, 64, will assume the role of property adviser at PETRONAS.
Taking over the mayoral post today is Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud, 58, who previously served as Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) president.
At a press conference yesterday, Maimunah highlighted the first 365 days of her leadership and reflected on the reforms she implemented since her appointment on Aug 14, 2024.
Among them, she said, was the gazettement of Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (PTKL2040) on May 28.
She described it as among the most significant milestones achieved under her leadership.
On the international stage, Maimunah said Kuala Lumpur gained recognition as a progressive capital under her stewardship, hosting major Asean urban forums.
Thanking City Hall staff and Kuala Lumpur residents for their continuous support, she said: “Although I take on a new role, part of my heart will always remain with Kuala Lumpur.”
In a statement yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said Maimunah had significantly enhanced Kuala Lumpur’s international standing through her leadership.
“I also extend my congratulations on her appointment as PETRONAS property adviser, and am confident that her extensive experience will continue to benefit the country’s strategic development agenda,” she added.
Kuala Lumpur residents commended Maimunah’s leadership, describing her departure as a loss for the capital city.
KL Residents Action for Sustainable Development chairman Tan Booi Charn said Maimunah’s background in town planning gave her an edge in dealing with urban issues, and her proactive engagement with local communities set her apart from her predecessors.
“We had hoped her tenure would be extended so that she could see through the reforms she had planned,” said Tan.
Brickfields Rukun Tetangga chairman SKK Naidu said Maimunah, who had served in the United Nations, had achieved many merits nationally and internationally.
“But Kuala Lumpur needs a mayor who can fully concentrate on local issues which require active intervention from the authorities,” he said.
Save Kuala Lumpur chairman Datuk M. Ali called on the new mayor to step up engagement between Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and residents, to gain a better grasp of community concerns.
He also stressed that the person holding the job must be allowed to carry out duties without political interference.
“The incoming mayor must be someone with a hands-on approach and not a yes-man to the minister,” he said.
Kepong community activist Yee Poh Ping said many problems in Kuala Lumpur – particularly at public housing projects – were yet to be solved.
“We also need top-down reforms that will transform DBKL’s working culture,” he said.
Friends of Bukit Dinding chairman Adrihazim Abdul Rashid hoped that beneficial initiatives introduced during Maimunah’s tenure would be continued under the new administration.
Maimunah’s successor Fadlun holds a degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and has more than 28 years of experience in urban planning, regional development and city management.
A member of the Town Planners Board and a Fellow of the Malaysian Institute of Planners, he had served as PPj president since 2022.
