By VIVIENNE PAL

vivienne@thestar.com.my
Photos by SAM THAM

IT WAS not so much the attendance of the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, but the entrance of the new mayor that caused a ripple of excitement among guests at Petaling Jaya's city status declaration yesterday .

In confirmation of rumours and speculation, former Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MPPJ) president Datuk Ahmad Termizi Puteh was elected the new city's first mayor and will helm what is now known as the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).

Ong (left) and his wife Wendy were among those present at the ceremony.

The declaration was made at a simple and straightforward event, presided by Sultan Sharafuddin , at the PJ Civic Centre earlier yesterday.

Also at the event were Housing and Local Government minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, State Secretary Datuk Ramli Mahmud and various other members of the Selangor state exco, as well as various representatives of PJ's Residents' Associations and Rukun Tetangga.

Dr Khir congratulated the residents and personnel of MBPJ for Petaling Jaya's new status as a city.

Ong (left) and his wife Wendy were among those present at the ceremony.

"After having gone through rapid development, PJ has grown from a satellite town to a city in its own right," said Dr Khir.

"The state government has implemented packages to improve the potential and delivery system of the local authorities in Selangor, beginning with a three-month programme designed for managemaent personnel, as well as various other measures like the "Back to Basics" programme, "Two-Week Policy," and grading and restructuring of the local authorities.

"However, both residents and local government must work together to create a better future for coming generations," said Dr Khir just before the Sultan proclaimed PJ a city.

Sultan Sharafuddin urged the mayor and councillors to continue playing their roles in fulfilling the expectations of the residents, which include spiritual development and improvement in the quality of life, in order to avoid problems.

"Balanced development is crucial to avoid social problems like drug abuse, loafing and vandalism," he said.

"Other important issues that must be properly addressed include squatter problems, cleanliness, the lack of open recreational spaces, flash floods, inefficient drainage systems, traffic jams and air pollution."

The Sultan also urged MBPJ office bearers to maintain an open approach and constant discussions among themselves and with the state government officials and residents, as well as to be proactive in meeting residents in order to solve problems in a more efficiently.

Related Stories:

34-year career ends with mayor's job

New mayor aims to please

Post your feedback >>