KL mayor Maimunah exits DBKL, joins Petronas as adviser
Kuala Lumpur mayor Maimunah Sharif will leave the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) tomorrow to assume a new role at Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) as its property adviser.
In a statement last night on his Facebook page, Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, has consented to shorten Maimunah’s tenure, originally from Aug 15, 2024, to Aug 14, 2026, to a new term ending tomorrow.
Kuala Lumpur mayor Maimunah Sharif will leave the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) tomorrow to assume a new role at Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) as its property adviser.
In a statement last night on his Facebook page, Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, has consented to shorten Maimunah’s tenure, originally from Aug 15, 2024, to Aug 14, 2026, to a new term ending tomorrow.
This development confirms Malaysiakini’s report on Wednesday that Maimunah, the 15th KL mayor, would soon be reassigned to a new role.
"The shortening of Maimunah’s tenure as mayor of Kuala Lumpur is to allow her to take up a position in one of the nation’s leading government-linked companies (GLCs), which has been entrusted with developing a new landmark in KL.
“This decision takes into account her service requirements, expertise, and vast experience in urban planning and sustainable development, especially during her tenure as executive director of UN-Habitat.
"Throughout her tenure as mayor of KL and head of DBKL, Maimunah demonstrated exemplary leadership and strengthened the delivery of DBKL’s services, founded on the principles of integrity, efficiency, and good governance," Shamsul added.
Transformative leadership
He said that as a result, DBKL successfully recorded a current surplus of RM27.6 million in 2024, compared to a deficit of RM75.3 million in 2023 and RM283 million in 2022.
He also said that the 137 percent improvement in 2024 reflects Maimunah's transformative leadership, with a strong emphasis on enhancing financial governance practices based on prudent, efficient, and strategic expenditure management.
"In addition, Maimunah has succeeded in placing DBKL on the global stage through KL's international initiatives, forging strategic cooperation with Unicef through the Cash Plus and Child-Friendly City Initiatives programmes, as well as successfully hosting the Asean Sustainable Urbanisation Forum, Asean Governors and Mayors Forum, and the Meeting of Governors and Mayors of Asean Capital Cities, in conjunction with Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship," Shamsul said.
He added that Maimunah also initiated numerous green and sustainable city programmes to demonstrate her commitment towards transforming KL into a zero-carbon, liveable, and climate-resilient city.
These include the Zero Waste Initiative, Green Loop Initiative and the Urban Climate Resilience Programme, among various others.
Before her role at UN-Habitat and DBKL, Maimunah also served as Penang City Council mayor, president of the Seberang Perai Municipal Council, and president of the Malaysian Association of Local Authorities.
In his statement, Shamsul conveyed the government’s appreciation to Maimunah for her service and dedication, as well as for the “outstanding legacy created”, which elevated DBKL’s standing to a highly commendable level.
A farewell ceremony for Maimunah, who is also the city's first female mayor, will take place at DBKL's headquarters in Jalan Raja Laut at 4.30pm today.
New Petronas role starts Nov 17
In a separate statement issued around the same time, Petronas announced that Maimunah will assume her new role with the national oil giant on Nov 17.
"Maimunah will guide in shaping the next phase of growth in its property portfolio, primarily concerning Sungai Besi land, Kota Madani, as well as other development properties.
“Maimunah is a globally respected leader and accredited technocrat with over 40 years of experience in sustainable urban developments.
"The management of Petronas welcomes Maimunah and is confident that her knowledge and experience will be a valuable addition to the company," the statement read.
New mayor tomorrow
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said Fadlun Mak Ujud will take over as Kuala Lumpur mayor effective tomorrow.
The minister also said Fadlun’s appointment had received consent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“Before this, Fadlun served as the president of Putrajaya Corporation from 2022.
“During his tenure, he had shown exceptional leadership in the implementation of Putrajaya Smart City Blueprint 2025, Putrajaya’s Green Transformation Plan and other initiatives - based on the principles of inclusivity and sustainability,” Zaliha said in a statement.
She also extended her appreciation to Maimunah for her services and wished her luck in her new role at Petronas.
