Datuk Seri Paduka Maimunah Mohd Sharif has been appointed as the new Kuala Lumpur mayor effective today (August 15, 2024) to replace Datuk Seri Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh who is on compulsory retirement.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar approved the appointment, in accordance with Subsection 4 (2), Federal Capital Act 1960.
The announcement was made by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa in a statement, making the 15th Mayor of Kuala Lumpur the first woman to helm the top post of the capital city.
The 63-year old has an extensive resume by formerly serving as the Penang Island City Council (MBPP)’s mayor, executive director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and currently serves as Malaysia’s Special Envoy on Sustainable Urbanisation.
Graduated with a town planning degree from University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology United Kingdom, Maimunah began her career about 40 years ago at the Municipal Council of Penang Island in 1985.
In 2003, she was promoted to Director of Planning and Development, where she played a key role in overseeing development control for Penang city projects and landscape development.
She has also led a team in planning and implementing urban renewal projects in George Town and subsequently appointed as the first General Manager to establish George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) in November 2009.
She then became the first woman to be president of the Seberang Perai Municipal Council in 2011.