THE state government has approved the appointment of 48 councillors to its two local councils: the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).
State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye announced that the decision was made during the state executive council meeting on Dec 18.
H’ng stated that these appointments, made in accordance with Section 10(2) of the Local Government Act 1976, consist of 24 councillors for each local council. The term of appointment will take effect from Jan 1, 2025, and continue until Dec 31, 2025.
“Under Section 10(2) of the Local Government Act 1976, councillors must be selected based on their substantial experience in local government, notable success in a profession, trade, or industry, or their ability to represent the interests of the community within the local council’s jurisdiction,” H’ng explained.
“The swearing-in ceremonies for MBPP and MBSP councillors are scheduled for Jan 3. The MBPP ceremony will be held at 3pm at City Hall, while the MBSP ceremony will take place at 9am at MBSP Tower in Bandar Perda.
“I hope that the councillors, appointed from various parties, will work together and seize the opportunity to share ideas and expertise to ensure excellent administration for the local authorities in Penang,” H’ng said during a press conference at Komtar today.
MBPP will have four new councillors, three of whom have previously served as councillors. The new face is Visvenathan Tangavello from DAP.
Meanwhile, for MBSP, a total of six new councillors have been appointed, with two of them having previously served as councillors. The new additions include Azman Rahim, Yeoh Kim Kim, Mohamad Aisamuddin Mohamad Kaman and Zulkifli Yusop. All four are from PKR.
In terms of party representation, MBPP will comprise 10 councillors from DAP, eight from PKR, four from Amanah, one from Barisan Nasional (BN), and one representing a non-governmental organisation (NGO).
For MBSP, the composition includes 10 councillors from DAP, nine from PKR, two from Amanah, two from BN, and one from an NGO.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Nuratikah Rahmat