Kuala Lumpur mayor bids farewell to City Hall

Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Phesal Talib (second from right. suit and red tie) bids farewell to well-wishers at City Hall. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Noel Achariam, July 14, 2015.Outgoing Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Phesal Talib was given a grand send off from City Hall this morning.

More than 600 staff and well-wishers turned up to bid farewell to the 10th Kuala Lumpur mayor as he clocked out for the last time. Phesal, who wore a navy blue suit and the City Hall official red tie, greeted his directors as he made his way to the podium to deliver his speech.

The affable 61-year-old civil servant hoped that City Hall would continue its efforts to make Kuala Lumpur a vibrant and world class city.

“I hope that all the directors will step up and carry out their duties to the best of their abilities,” he said.

“I also hope that the rank and file be sincere and transparent when dealing with the stakeholders, and continue to practice good governance,” he said.

Phesal also praised City Hall's director-general Datuk Mohd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz, who will be taking over as the 11th mayor on July 19.

“I’m very pleased that Amin will be taking over as the new mayor. He has a vast experience in dealing with local issues. I also urge all the directors to support Amin and show him the same dedication,” he said.

Phesal also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all those who had supported him during his tenure as mayor. He was then accompanied by his directors to the foyer where the City Hall marching band performed for him. Enforcement department officers also turned up in their official regalia to pay their respects.

Phesal has accomplished many things during his three year term as mayor. Some of which include starting the fortnightly Car Free Morning, which is being adopted by other cities; and introducing a dedicated bicycle lane.

Phesal, a native of Kedah, was born on July 12, 1954.

He has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology from Universiti Malaya, graduating in 1977.

He then went on to further his studies in the United States at the University of Wisconsin, where he gratuated with a degree in Town Planning in 1984.

Phesal also obtained a Diploma in Advanced Management from the Harvard Business School in Boston, United States in 2005.

Among the positions he held during his career are Labuan Municipal Council secretary, Penang Land and Mines director, Penang Municipal Council president and Federal Territories secretary-general.

The Malaysian Insider had reported that Amin, who hails from Negri Sembilan, was born on August 1, 1955. He has a Master’s degree in Economics from Universiti Malaya graduating in 1978.

He then continued his studies at Birmingham University, United Kingdom, in 1986 and graduated with a diploma in Urban Development.

Amin joined City Hall in 1978 and his 37 years of experience will help him to carry out his duties as mayor. He has vast experience in administration, planning, management and development of local government.

- TMI