Ruslin: I don’t have to give him any advice

The Star Online
Friday December 15, 2006

KUALA Lumpur City Hall has a lot more to do to fulfil the high expectations of residents of the country’s first city, says outgoing mayor Datuk Ruslin Hasan.

Ruslin, who wished his successor Datuk Abdul Hakim Borhan all the best, said the new mayor had all the qualities to oversee Kuala Lumpur's growth.

Ruslin said Abdul Hakim's experience during his stint as Federal Territories Ministry secretary-general would come in handy when he assumed his new post next week.

Asked if he had any advice for Abdul Hakim, Ruslin said: “I don't have any advice. As a new Datuk Bandar, he will definitely have the knowledge on how to handle his work. I don't have to give him any advice,” he said.

Ruslin clocking out for the last time at City Hall on Wednesday.

Ruslin, who clocked out as mayor on Wednesday, said he had tried his best to clear as much work as possible but there were still some unfinished business.

He said as next year was Visit Malaysia Year, it would definitely keep the new mayor busy as Kuala Lumpur was the gateway to the country and many tourists would have high expectations of the nation's capital city.

“We have to work hard to improve public facilities especially in terms of alleviating traffic congestion, providing pedestrian walkways and ensuring public safety.

“We have told the world that we are a developed country and Kuala Lumpur is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. If we don't keep that promise and give tourists our best services and hospitality, they would think that we are just paying lip service,” said Ruslin.