FLUENT in five languages and a veteran of grassroots service, Asogan Subramanian is one of three new councillors joining Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) for the 2026-2027 term.
The 61-year-old, who speaks Mandarin and Hokkien, brings years of experience as a community leader in Petaling Jaya Selatan (PJS) to his new role serving Zone 14.
A father of three, Asogan is also fluent in English, Tamil and Bahasa Malaysia.
“I went to a Chinese primary school, SJK (C) Sin Teong Mahang in Karangan, Kedah.
“My father sent each of his three sons to different types of schools – national, Chinese and Tamil schools.
“I attended Chinese school, so I can speak Mandarin and some Hokkien.”
Asogan, who also runs his own transportation business, is a familiar face in PJS as he is actively involved in addressing social issues affecting the Indian community as well as other groups in need.
“I was an Indian community leader in PJS from 2018 to 2025.
“Many of the issues I dealt with were about children’s education, career opportunities and welfare.
“My role will be to ensure that all deserving individuals, regardless of race, have access to such aid,” he said after the swearing-in ceremony at MBPJ headquarters in Jalan Yong Shook Lin, Petaling Jaya.
Through his various home visits in the past, Asogan said he had helped register about 60 persons with disabilities.
Meanwhile, Kota Damansara native Muhamad Shazwan Suhaimi, 35, is glad for the opportunity to serve in his own neighbourhood as its new councillor.
“Kota Damansara has undergone rapid development to become what it is today.
“One of the challenges is the number of businesses operating without licences, which will be my main focus as a councillor.”
The other new councillor is Maisarah Ismail.
A total of 23 councillors took their oaths before Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Zahri Samingon.
One position remains vacant under the PKR allocation.
