TWO new councillors in the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), who were sworn in as replacements, are keen to prove a point following the trust bestowed upon them for the betterment of Penangites.
They are Tan Seang Keat from PKR and Quah Boon Lim from DAP.
The newly-appointed duo took their oaths in a swearing-in ceremony before state Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo and MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang at the Penang Town Hall in Jalan Padang Kota Lama today.
Tan, who is a 57-year-old businessman, has made a comeback for the third time now after having served as a councillor from 2011 to 2013 and from 2018 to 2019.
Meanwhile, Quah, 32, also a businessman, is a first-timer and looks energetic to kickstart his role as a councillor.
Both councillors were appointed to replace Azly Ibrahim and Azahari Aris from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, who no longer served as MBPP councillors since Aug 31.
The term for the two new councillors started effectively from Sept 1 until Dec 31 this year.
Tan, with his wealth of experience, said he would need to re-learn his job scope (infrastructure) as there are changes due to the new Covid-19 era.
“Previously, I was in charge of public infrastructure and to my fortunate circumstance, I have been appointed to handle the same area this time too.
“I will dedicate and contribute all of my expertise in this area, especially drawing on all my previous experiences which will now be extremely helpful,” he said during an interview.
Meanwhile, Quah, said his role would mainly focus on enhancing environment-based initiatives by the council such as urban farming and also to look into ways and means of improving council services for the people.
“I thank MBPP and all related parties for giving me this opportunity. I will give my 100% commitment to the job for the betterment of the community I live in,” Quah told the press.
On a separate matter, Jagdeep said as of Sept 6, both MBPP and MBSP recorded a healthy standard operating procedure (SOP) compliance rate of 99.60% and 99.33% respectively.
“A total of 271,794 and 510,829 checks on various premises had already been conducted by MBPP and MBSP respectively so far.
In an effort to reduce carbon footprint, Jagdeep echoed MBPP’s plans of installing solar systems at the ‘Jambatan Harapan’, the country’s first spiral bridge for cyclists and pedestrians near Queensbay Mall in Bayan Lepas.
“The installation is expected to involve some 1,012 panels with a capacity of generating approximately 350kWp.
“It is in line with the Penang2030 vision: A Family-focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation,” Jagdeep added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting