SUBANG JAYA: Four councillors were sworn in at the Subang Jaya Municipal Council headquarters yesterday.
R. Rajiv, Loka Ng Sai Kai, Cheah Sang Soon and Michael Noel Jalleh took their oaths in front of council president Datuk Asmawi Kasbi, ending months of speculation as to who fills the remaining seats after 19 councillors received their appointment letters in April.
Except for first--timer Jalleh, the other three were re--appointed to serve their fourth terms as councillors.
Jalleh, 53, who is from a non--governmental organisation Malaysian Care said he was eager to work and serve his community.
"Although I am living in Sri Petaling, I am familiar with Subang Jaya where I spend a lot of time here because my sister lives here."
"I hope to learn how best to serve the community from experienced councillors like Rajiv, Ng and Cheah," said the former advertising agency executive.
Rajiv, 29, remained coy about his reappointment saying he is now expecting to serve a different zone.
"Before this I was an MPSJ zone 3 councillor, but this time I'm expecting to swap to a new zone."
Unofficially, I've been informed I will serve Zone 1 which covers SS12 to SS19."
"I expect to have more dialogue sessions with residents here as there are a lot of development in this new zone including the construction of light rail transit (LRT) stations and traffic congestions.
Asmawi welcomed the councillors hoping they would contribute ideas on how best to develop Subang Jaya.
"I wish them the best but the designated zones for the new councillors will be decided at the council's next board meeting."
On the remaining seat which has yet to be filled, Asmawi said the matter lay in the hands of the state government.
In December, the term of 288 councillors for twelve state councils ended but it was later extended to February.
On April 10, a total of 264 councillors received their appointment letters from menteri besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim. He said the remaining 24 seats would only be announced later as the state was still finalising the list.
On a report lodged to the Malaysian Anti--Corruption Commission (MACC) against the council failing to take action against a developer's project which caused damage to homes despite complaints to the council Asmawi declined comment.
He, however, said he left the matter with the MACC.