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Kota Kinabalu: Experienced civil servant of almost four decades, Datuk Nordin Siman, 61, has been appointed the city's fifth Mayor replacing Datuk Yeo Boon Hai effective today (Tuesday). Nordin, who hails from Kg Lohan, Ranau, was the former Director of the State Public Service Department (PSD) for 11 years and had been on the City Hall Advisory Board since 2010.

The ceremony was witnessed by State Secretary Datuk Hashim Paijan at City Hall. Kota Kinabalu became a city in 2000.

Nordin pledged to do his best to tackle City Hall's debt problems, uncollected assessment, taxes, compounds and parking problems, among others.

He said his priority is to make sure City Hall renders fast delivery service to the public and implement approaches to increase revenues.

"City Hall will move 'Fast Forward' as inspired by the State Secretary towards having effective and efficient administration… to lead City Hall towards excellence, render fast delivery service, high competency and integrity to fulfil the interest and wellbeing of the people.

"We will also look into new opportunities that could further improve the administration of the City Hall for the benefit of the three target groups namely the business community, sub-urban community and city dwellers including workers, tourists, and professional people and the overall society," he said.

As the new Mayor, Nordin said he would look for solutions for all issues that need to be tackled such as the traffic congestion in the City centre.

Nordin s promised to reduce red tape and to ensure work system used in the City Hall guarantees quick approval and effective action.

He also promised to give full cooperation to political leaders, especially those constituencies are in City Hall areas, so that initiatives for the development and wellbeing of the people could be streamlined.

"I will also make sure City Hall render full support to government agencies, government-linked companies and private sector in ensuring projects or community-based people programmes in City area.

"Last and not the least, we aim to empower networking with security bodies such as police to ensure security in the City is at optimum level that secure public safety and wellbeing of the people here," Nordin said.

Also present were Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister in charge of City Hall Arifin Asgali, Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin, Putatan MP Awang Husaini bin Datuk Sahari, and Likas assemblyman Tan Lee Fatt, among others. - Hayati Dzulkifli