By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Jan 19 — Cheremi Tarman, who was appointed Shah Alam’s 11th mayor yesterday, took his oath of office today and officially took over the reins from his predecessor, Nor Fuad Abdul Hamid.
The swearing-in ceremony took place alongside the appointment of 22 Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) members, eight of whom are new faces. There are still two vacant seats yet to be filled.
“I truly believe that the vast experience, knowledge and professionalism of the councillors will help MBSA achieve excellence and enhance the city council’s services,” he said during the ceremony at Wisma MBSA today.
Later, at a press conference, Cheremi said the two remaining councillors would be appointed after thorough consideration by the state government.
“The state is currently scrutinising candidates for the two vacant posts,” he told the press.
Cheremi, 59, received his appointment letter as Shah Alam’s new mayor from State Secretary Datuk Haris Kasim yesterday, after serving as acting mayor since October 27 last year.
He was previously the city’s deputy mayor, having been appointed to the position on January 9.
Cheremi holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Universiti Selangor, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Louisiana State University, and a diploma from Kansas State High School Equivalency, in the United States.
He joined the public service in November 1988, serving in various positions for multiple local authorities.
Among others, Cheremi was the Petaling Jaya City Council’s engineering department director from January 2010 to June 2013 and Selayang Municipal Council deputy president from August 2020 to December 2023.
In his swearing-in speech, he emphasised the importance of increased engagement with the public, expressing the hope that the city council can reclaim its excellence.
This is particularly crucial, considering MBSA’s approval rating has dropped slightly.
“I hope all appointed councillors can offer full cooperation and support us in reclaiming our status as an excellent local council.
“Directors and department heads are urged to provide our councillors with a comprehensive understanding (of the council), enabling them to carry out their duties effectively,” Cheremi said.
Meanwhile, the newly-appointed Zone 15 (Sungai Kandis) councillor Muhammad Nizam Kamjan has pledged to improve his area.
One of the significant challenges he anticipates facing is managing the residents’ expectations, who demand prompt action on complaints filed to the council.
“To address this, additional briefing sessions will be conducted (to provide a better explanation to the public), while committees will also play a crucial role (in resolving complaints).
“I will engage with the previous councillor on what other improvements should be done. These include issues concerning drains and road defects,” he said.
