GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has announced the appointment of 48 councillors for both Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP).
State Local Government Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said each city council have 24 councillors, with the swearing-in scheduled on Friday and Saturday.
He added that there are 19 new faces in the line-up, 11 of whom are in MBPP and eight in MBSP.
Jagdeep said the composition of councillors according to parties – DAP, PKR, Parti Amanah Negara, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and non-governmental organisations (NGO) – was 9:7:2:2:4 in the MBPP and 9:8:2:2:3 in the MBSP.
"All those appointed fulfil the criteria as set out under Section 10 of the Local Government Act 1976. They comprise experienced professionals such as lawyers, engineers, lecturers, companies' director and businessmen/businesswomen.
"Additionally, we have also sent their particulars to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Insolvency Department and the police for security filter," he told newsmen here today.
Also present was Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Jagdeep said the appointment of female councillors was in line with the government's aim to ensure 30 per cent of women in decision-making processes.
"However, we are currently only at 19 per cent, with only nine women appointed for both city councils. Also, the percentage of youth in both city councils is at 8 per cent.
"We also have seven councillors who are reappointed in both councils. They have served for more than five years, including two who have served for 11 years," he added.
Meanwhile, Chow said the appointment of new councillors dispelled the notion that there were only old faces in both city councils.