GEORGE TOWN: The state government has confirmed that Penang Umno has yet to submit names for the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor post, resulting in none of its candidates present for the swearing in ceremony here today.

State Local Government Committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye said he took note that Umno needed a little more time and believed the names would be submitted by this week.

"We respect each party to submit the name of their candidates, and the proposed names involve the appointment of three councillors - one for the MBPP and two for the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP).

"We also need an official letter from the party on the matter. We will not consider any messages sent via WhatsApp or the likes," he told newsmen after the MBPP councillor swearing in ceremony here today.

H'ng said no timeline was given to Umno on the matter since it was seen as not hindering the function of the Local Authorities (PBT) to carry out their duty in accordance with the Local Government Act.

"The Local Government Act stipulates that to establish a PBT, we need at least eight councillors and a mayor.

"As for now, we already have 23 councillors under MBPP and 22 under MBSP. They include those who took the oath today. So, there is no problem," he added.

Earlier, a total of 12 new faces and 11 old faces took their oath as MBPP councillors.

They comprised 10 people from DAP, PKR (eight), Amanah (four), Umno (one) and a representative from a non-governmental organisation ( NGO).

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/10/962077/penang-umno-yet-submit-names-councillor-posts