Abdul Hakim is new KL mayor

Ab Hakim ... has not been personally told of theappointment yet as he is on leave.

Federal Territories Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Hakim Borhan has been named the new Datuk Bandar of Kuala Lumpur, succeeding outgoing mayor Datuk Ruslin Hassan whose two-year term ended yesterday.  

Ab Hakim’s appointment as the capital city’s eighth mayor was announced by Federal Territories Minister Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique at a press conference at his office in Putrajaya yesterday. 

Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, the newly proclaimed Yang di-Pertuan Agong, endorsed the appointment. 

Ab Hakim, whose two-year tenure as KL mayor takes effect today, was not present when the announcement was made as he is on leave until Monday. 

However, Dec 13 will always be a special date for the new mayor because it coincides with the new King’s investiture ceremony. 

Ab Hakim, who holds a degree in Economics from Universiti Malaya, had also been president of the Subang Jaya and Klang municipal councils. 

Zulhasnan said he had not personally conveyed the good news to Ab Hakim. 

Asked why Ruslin’s term was not extended, Zulhasnan said it was not for him to speculate the reason. 

“He (Ruslin) was appointed for a two-year term which ended today. However, I would like to thank him for his services during his term in office,” he said.  

Zulhasnan said Ab Hakim had a very heavy responsibility ahead of him as Kuala Lumpur was an ever-changing city. 

“Like all the other mayors before him, Ab Hakim will have to tackle the problem of floods and traffic congestion plaguing the city. 

“We already have a comprehensive programme and it is only a matter of implementing them in the right perspective,” he said. 

As for the FT Ministry post left vacant by Ab Hakim, Zulhasnan said deputy secretary-general Fauziah Bachik would assume the duties of the secretary-general until further notice.