Former cop Illiyas is new mayor of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Illiyas Ibrahim will take over as the state capital’s mayor from Feb 2. 

Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman said Illiyas’ tenure would be for two years. He will be replacing Datuk Abdul Ghani Rashid, who was appointed mayor when Kota Kinabalu became a city five years ago. 

“I think he is the best person for job among the five candidates I was considering,” Musa said after meeting Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd senior officials at his office here yesterday. 

He said he had consulted various groups before deciding on Illiyas as Kota Kinabalu’s next mayor. 

Musa said he hoped there would be more efficiency, transparency and accountability in the management of City Hall with Illiyas’ appointment. 

When contacted, Illiyas said he considered his appointment not only an honour for himself but for the Royal Malaysian Police force as well. 

“This is a heavy task that has been entrusted to me and I promise to do my very best to serve the people,” said Illiyas, adding that he would listen to city folk on their problems and grouses about administration of Kota Kinabalu. 

Datuk Illiyas

Illiyas thanked the Sabah state government for having the confidence in him. 

“The job is not only very challenging but is also a very hot seat. I hope everyone including my would-be staff will work with me for the benefit of the people of Kota Kinabalu and Sabah in general,” he told The Star.  

Illiyas, a 30-year veteran of the police force, retired as Sabah Police Commissioner on Sept 11 last year having served in the post for nine months. 

He joined the police in 1970 as a Probationary Inspector and rose through the ranks to retire as a Deputy Commissioner of Police. 

Abdul Ghani was made Kota Kinabalu mayor when the state capital gained city status in February 2000. 

Though Ghani had stated that he was willing to continue serving as mayor, various groups and individuals including state Resource and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai had opposed his continued leadership of City Hall.