FOLLOWING her six-year tenure as the executive director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Nairobi, Kenya, Datuk Seri Paduka Maimunah Mohd Sharif has returned to serve her country.
Transitioning from her role as executive director of UN-Habitat in 2018, Maimunah now assumes the position of Special Envoy on Sustainable Urbanisation in Malaysia.
Based in Kuala Lumpur, she has been appointed by the Federal Government to lead efforts toward sustainable urbanisation.
Despite being 62 years old, Maimunah remains committed to sharing her expertise and shows no signs of slowing down.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who welcomed Maimunah’s courtesy visit at his office in Komtar today, expressed his admiration for the former Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor’s remarkable achievements.
“It’s truly an outstanding achievement by Maimunah on the global stage, and I am thrilled to see her return to serve.
“I extend my best wishes to Maimunah in her new role, and I have full confidence that she will excel based on her impressive track record,” he said.
During their one-hour courtesy visit, Chow and Maimunah discussed various strategies to advance sustainability initiatives in the state.
Maimunah commended the state’s efforts, particularly highlighting the construction of a new seawall at the Esplanade and the completion of Phase One of Gurney Bay.
She expressed her eagerness to collaborate with the state government to further improve Penang’s infrastructure and overall well-being.
Also present during the courtesy visit were Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) general manager Datin S. Bharathi and former UN-Habitat special advisor and director of external relations division Dr Neil Khor.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad