CITY councillors must clearly understand their roles and remain sensitive to public needs as they serve as a vital link between the state government and the people, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Speaking at the swearing-in of 24 Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillors at Irving Chambers in Town Hall today, Chow said councillors play a crucial role in strengthening MBPP’s service delivery, public engagement and good governance as the state navigates a challenging landscape in 2026.
“The year 2026 calls for a high level of preparedness, efficiency in implementation and the ability to adapt working approaches without compromising the principles of good governance,” he said.
The 24 councillors, including seven new faces, were appointed for the term from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2026. The newcomers are Deenadayalan Kandiah (DAP), Foo Yu Keong (DAP), Mohd Aidil Fitri Ibrahim (PKR), Muhammad Adzlan Adzhar (PKR), Tan May Peng (PKR), Manimaran Samba Sivam (PKR) and Muhamad Nayim Othuman Mydin (PKR).
Those retained are Alan Lim Wei Lun (DAP), Lee Wei Seang (DAP), Koay Gaik Kee (DAP), Lee Seng Hwai (DAP), Visvenathan Tangavello (DAP), Rohaizat Hamid (DAP), Tan Soo Siang (DAP), Theng Jie Wey (DAP), Ooi Mei Mei (PKR), Dr Mohd Suhairi Arumugam Abdullah (PKR), Chan Soon Aun (PKR), Zuraida Mohamad Arshad (Amanah), Muhamad Khairul Mohd Ali (Amanah), Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman (Umno) and David Cheng Wooi Teong (NGO).
Mohamad Yusoff Mohd Noor and Mohamad Khairani Abdul Shukor (both Amanah) are also retained but were unable to attend as they are performing the umrah pilgrimage. A separate ceremony will be held for their appointment.
Chow said the appointments reflect the state government’s confidence in the councillors’ ability and commitment to ensure continuity and effective governance within MBPP. He noted that MBPP has consistently upheld the CAT principles — Competency, Accountability and Transparency — which underpin its financial performance, public trust and various recognitions.
Public participation, he added, remains a key pillar of the Penang2030 vision, particularly in urban planning and service delivery. Through public engagement, Chow said the MBPP Budget 2026 was formulated inclusively, with projected revenue of RM445.27 million and expenditure of RM514.32 million, resulting in a deficit of RM69.05 million.
“Despite financial constraints, the provision of public facilities and the upgrading of infrastructure remain priorities in safeguarding the socio-economic interests of ratepayers,” he said.
Touching on broader state priorities, Chow said the state government remains committed to making 2026 a foundation year towards A Better Penang — one that is economically competitive, politically stable and socially harmonious.
The focus, he said, includes attracting high-quality investments, accelerating digitalisation, promoting a sustainable green economy and developing the creative industries to create better-paying jobs and ensure equitable growth.
“Political stability, social harmony and national unity remain key prerequisites for long-term prosperity,” he said, adding that the state would continue to protect vulnerable groups — including senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PwDs), women, youth and low-income families — through targeted, welfare-focused policies.
As the core local authority of the state capital, Chow said MBPP must continue enhancing its service delivery to ensure George Town remains clean, smart, green and safe. Key areas requiring sustained attention include waste management, digitalisation of services, environmental sustainability, urban mobility and public safety.
He also urged Penangites to remain active partners of local authorities by providing feedback, support and cooperation in planning and development initiatives, noting that continuous public engagement was vital to inclusive urban governance.
“The state’s aspirations can only be realised through a collective effort. It is this whole-of-society spirit that will ensure Penang continues to move forward as a progressive, resilient and inclusive state,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, state Local Government and Town & Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye, state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, state Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, MBPP secretary Cheong Chee Hong and department heads.
Congratulating the 24 councillors, Rajendran said they were selected from diverse professional backgrounds to translate policy into tangible outcomes for residents.
“Councillors are not merely policymakers on paper; they are the voice of the people at the administrative table, serving as a bridge between the community and the government, and as strategic partners to the council’s management,” he said, adding that their appointments were a public trust that must be upheld with integrity and sound judgment.
Rajendran said MBPP is leveraging digital twin technology, artificial intelligence and data analytics to enhance service delivery, speed up responses to public complaints and ensure greater transparency, while maintaining a people-centric approach. He added that the council is aligned with national and global climate agendas, including low-carbon development and renewable energy transition.
He noted that MBPP’s growing international recognition — including multiple regional and global awards in 2025 — reflects its progress in smart city development and sustainability, adding that city diplomacy and partnerships would continue to be strengthened under the Penang2030 vision.
Meanwhile, H’ng urged councillors to carry out their duties with integrity, commitment and a strong sense of collective responsibility. He commended MBPP’s performance since 2023, citing improvements in governance, prudent financial management, audit compliance and continued digital transformation through initiatives such as the Virtual Island of Penang and the Pearls One Touch Penang application.
H’ng said local authorities must be prepared to address increasingly complex urban challenges, including transport planning, high-impact infrastructure projects such as the Light Rail Transit (LRT), environmental sustainability and cleanliness.
Earlier today, Chow and H’ng joined Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid to witness the swearing-in of 24 MBSP councillors for 2026, including eight new members.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat