Maimunah’s Term as Kuala Lumpur Mayor Ends Early as She Joins Petronas Leadership

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 13): Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif will step down as Kuala Lumpur mayor this Friday (Nov 14), marking an early end to her tenure originally slated to run until August 2026. She will assume a new role at Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) from Nov 17.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim consented to the transition, which was made to position Maimunah within a government-linked company involved in delivering a major national landmark in Kuala Lumpur.

“This decision reflects current service needs as well as her extensive expertise in sustainable urban planning, reinforced by her international experience with UN-Habitat,” he said.

New Appointment at Petronas

Petronas confirmed Maimunah’s appointment as its property adviser, where she will guide the company’s long-term real estate strategy. Her portfolio will include key national assets — from the redevelopment of strategic land in Sungai Besi to flagship projects such as Kota Madani — areas that influence broader market dynamics for commercial property in KL and nearby growth corridors.

Petronas described her as a globally recognised figure with more than 40 years of experience in city planning and sustainable development.

Transforming DBKL: From Deficit to Surplus

Maimunah leaves Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) after leading a major turnaround in financial and operational performance:

• 2024 surplus: RM27.6 million

• 2023 deficit: RM75.3 million

• 2022 deficit: RM283 million

The 137% fiscal improvement was attributed to disciplined spending, revenue optimisation and data-driven governance reforms.

Her tenure elevated Kuala Lumpur’s international standing through initiatives with Unicef, the Asean Sustainable Urbanisation Forum and global smart-city networks. She also accelerated sustainability programmes such as the Zero Waste Initiative, the Green Loop, and the Urban Climate Resilience Programme — efforts that align with rising demand for eco-friendly development across the Klang Valley, including in townships known for high-growth commercial and industrial assets like office space in Bukit Jalil, industrial property in the Subang area, and factory clusters in Puchong.

A Career Defined by Global Recognition

Maimunah holds a degree from the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology and a Master’s in Urban Planning from Universiti Sains Malaysia. Her career milestones include:

• First woman president of the Seberang Prai Municipal Council

• Mayor of Penang

• First Asian woman appointed UN undersecretary-general and executive director of UN-Habitat

• Acting director general of the UN Office in Nairobi

• Recipient of the World Smart City Leadership Award (Barcelona)

• Recipient of the Housing Ministry’s Best Leadership Award

She also serves as an honorary professor at University College London’s Bartlett School and adjunct professor at Universiti Malaya.