KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif will be joining Petronas as its Property Advisor effective November 17, 2025, following the shortening of her term as mayor to facilitate the reassignment.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has consented to shorten Maimunah’s tenure from 14 August 2026 to November 14 2025 to allow her placement in the national oil company.
He said the appointment takes into account her expertise and extensive experience in sustainable urban planning and city management, particularly from her tenure as Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
“Her placement at one of the country’s leading government-linked companies will ensure the successful realisation of a new landmark project for Kuala Lumpur, in line with the aspirations of the MADANI vision for the Federal Territories,” Shamsul Azri said in a statement.
Petronas, in a separate statement today, confirmed the appointment and said Maimunah will advise on the next phase of growth in its property portfolio, primarily concerning the Sungai Besi land, the Kota Madani development, and other key property projects.
“Petronas is pleased to welcome Datuk Seri Maimunah and is confident that her knowledge and experience will be a valuable addition to the company,” the national oil company said.
Maimunah, a globally respected urban planner and technocrat with over 40 years of experience in sustainable development, holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Town Planning from the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Universiti Sains Malaysia.
She has held several key positions, including being the first woman to serve as President of the Seberang Perai Municipal Council and later as Mayor of Penang, before becoming the first Asian woman appointed as Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat. She also served as Acting Director-General of the United Nations Office in Nairobi.
During her tenure leading Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Maimunah introduced governance and financial reforms that saw the agency record a surplus of RM27.6 million in 2024, reversing earlier deficits.
She also spearheaded sustainability initiatives such as the Zero Waste and Green Loop programmes and strengthened DBKL’s international ties through UNICEF partnerships and Asean urban forums.
Her achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2024 Public Relations and Communications Association of Malaysia (PCRA) Leadership Award, the Nona Superwoman Award, and the Best Local Authority (City) Leadership Award at the Housing and Local Government Ministry’s 2025 Excellence Awards.
She was also named “Woman of the Decade” at the Women Economic Forum (WEF) Asean 2025 and most recently received the Leadership Award at the World Smart City Awards in Barcelona.
Shamsul Azri expressed the government’s appreciation for her contributions to DBKL, describing her as a transformative leader who elevated the city’s administration through integrity, efficiency and sustainable planning.
“Her legacy has set a high benchmark for city governance. We wish her continued success in her new role,” he said. - November 13, 2025
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