Penang Island picks council secretary for new mayor

GEORGE TOWN – Penang Island has named its new mayor, Datuk A. Rajendran, who served as Penang Island City Council (MBPP) secretary. 

Starting May 5, the veteran council official will serve as the fourth lord mayor since George Town regained city status in 2020, state executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo announced at a press conference.

Jagdeep, who oversees the local government portfolio, said Rajendran’s appointment was approved yesterday at a meeting of state executive councillors.

Rajendran replaces Datuk Yew Tung Seang, who has served in that role since 2018.

Rajendran spent 37 years as a MBPP officer and is familiar with its workings, having overseen many projects and redesigning of road systems on the island.

Penang’s capital, George Town, was granted city status by way of royal charter by the late Queen Elizabeth II on January 1, 1957, but it was not recognised by Putrajaya until 2020.

Jagdeep told the media that Rajendran would have heavy responsibilities and urged the council to work together with him.

The state exco added that Rajendran would be expected to steer MBPP in helping the state realise other goals, including heritage preservation, affordable housing, cleanliness and environmental protection.

Rajendran, meanwhile, said he would listen to the concerns of ratepayers and that his administration would place public engagement among its top priorities. – The Vibes, April 1, 2023