High expectations for Kuala Lumpur’s first female mayor, Maimunah Mohd Sharif

Hardworking, meticulous, experienced, polished, polite, and a good listener. These were just some of the words used to describe Kuala Lumpur's new mayor, Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, who was named the city’s 15th mayor today.

Her appointment takes effect tomorrow, Aug 15.

Maimunah, 63, replaces Datuk Seri Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh, whose rather forgettable tenure as mayor lasted for slightly over a year.

Born in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, on Aug 26, 1961, Maimunah holds a Bachelor of Science in Town Planning Studies from the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology, United Kingdom, and a Master of Science in Planning Studies from Universiti Sains Malaysia.

She comes with 39 years of experience in town planning, urban regeneration and community-led development.

Maimunah was the first female Seberang Prai Municipal Council president, and served as mayor of the Penang Island City Council between 2017-2018.

Her most recent tenure was as executive director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), a position she held for six years since 2018, and one which saw her being based in Nairobi, Kenya. For the record, she was the first Asian woman to be appointed to the position.

News of Maimunah’s appointment has gone down well with stakeholders in the city.

Former Kuala Lumpur mayor, Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail, said Maimunah’s appointment was timely, as her wealth of experience and knowledge will benefit the federal capital.

Ahmad Fuad, who served as Kuala Lumpur mayor between 2008 and 2012, said he was confident that Maimunah would be able to take Kuala Lumpur to the next level.

Ahmad Fuad said he worked with Maimunah during his days as Penang Development Corporation general manager, between 2003 and 2005, when she was a town planner at the Seberang Prai Municipal Council, previously.

“She was knowledgeable and had a lot of ideas,” Ahmad Fuad said.

“I regard her as someone who is hardworking, meticulous, experienced, polished, polite, and a good listener,” he said.

Ahmad Fuad, a former secretary-general of the Housing and Local Government Ministry, said Maimunah’s experience in the United Nations would be an asset, not just to her, but to the people of Kuala Lumpur, more so with Visit Malaysia Year in 2026.

“I believe her appointment is based on merit, and she will have the opportunity to bring a new dimension to the job. I hope she will also constantly engage with all stakeholders, including residents associations, as well as the business community.”

“While it is crucial to ensure that the city meets sustainable development goals set by the United Nations, there is also the need to look into bread and butter issues, including housing, landscape, drainage, road conditions, and the rejuvenation of dilapidated areas.”

Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai, said he was looking forward to working with Maimunah, given she is the first woman to be appointed to the position.

“Expectations will be high, as she has excellent credentials,” said Tan.

“KL always aims to be a world-class city, but so far, we have failed,” said Tan, who is Malaysia’s longest-serving MP.

Having served as an elected representative since 1986, Tan, who has worked with 12 Kuala Lumpur mayors, hoped that elected representatives would be given the chance to play a bigger role in the administration of the city, under Maimunah’s tenure as mayor.

“In the spirit of Malaysia Madani, I hope we can also emphasise on transparency, efficacy, and openness, and I hope KL MPs will be able to play a role in the city’s decision-making process, as we have not been given due recognition,” he said.

“There have been many open spaces, and green lungs that were sold to developers for commercial development, previously. This occurred due to the lack of transparency. It is time we changed how things are done.”

“We have raised this matter with the Federal Territories minister, and even the prime minister. Right now, we need the willingness and cooperation of government agencies, including City Hall. We need greater empowerment for MPs on matters related to development in the city,” he added.

Civil society movement Coalition to Save Kuala Lumpur chairman, Datuk M. Ali, said he believes Maimunah has the capability and credibility to deliver as mayor.

“She comes with a good background and is experienced. I hope she will have a firm grasp of the issues affecting Kuala Lumpur City Hall and change the dynamics within the council for the better,” he said.

“We also hope she will go to the ground to interact with KLites, hear us out, and be hands-on, rather than just relying on her officers who may, more often than not, paint a rosy picture of everything,” said Ali, who is also adviser to the Bukit Bandaraya residents association.

Ali hoped Maimunah would also make it her priority to ensure that ‘Kuala Lumpur is for all’, and not just for selected groups.

“We hope she can also ensure that basic facilities, like housing, welfare, and cost-effective and environmentally-friendly public transportation, can be enjoyed by the people.”

“We know change cannot happen overnight. But someone has to get the ball rolling, and we sincerely hope the new mayor will be able to bring about the desired changes that Kuala Lumpur needs,” he said.

Medan Damansara residents association member, Peter Raiappan meanwhile, hoped there would be more engagement with the new mayor.

“One thing that has been lacking are town hall sessions. She can meet the RAs by zones, as this will be a good opportunity to hear the problems faced by those in the federal capital,” said Raiappan, who formerly served as the association’s president.

“Traffic congestion is getting worse in the city and this is largely because City Hall has approved many high-rise development projects without making it a prerequisite for roads to be widened,” he said.

“I also hope the new mayor will introduce a more organised tree-cutting and replanting exercise for old trees, and seriously look into flooding issues caused by poor drainage,” he said.