A total of 24 new members of Seremban Municipal Council (MPS) were sworn in before its president Datuk Zazali Salehudin in Seremban today.

The new councillors will serve for the 2018-19 session from today until Dec 31, 2019.

They comprised eight representatives from DAP, seven from PKR and three each from Parti Amanah Negara, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and NGOs.

For the first time, MPS also appointed a disabled woman Wong Soo Pin, 48, as its councillor.

The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by the State Urban Wellbeing, Housing, Local Government and New Village Committee chairman Teo Kok Seong.

Teo said the full MPS council meeting will be opened to the public in an effort to enhance transparency in the state government’s administration at every level.

“This will enable the public, including members of the press, to follow the full meeting of the council members, which all this while were done behind closed doors.

"They can now see the openness of the new government and at the same time, monitor the performance of the council members,” he said.

He added that the move was part of the Harapan government’s promise to improve the practice of democracy and professionalism in the administration of local authorities.

Meanwhile, Zazali reminded the new councillors to always maintain integrity, be efficient and customer-friendly while carrying out their duties.

“They must show their commitment and good image to gain trust from the people in the state,” he said.

In regards to the appointment of Wong as an MPS council member, Teo said it was one of the state government’s efforts to get closer to the disabled community.

“Her focus will be more on OKU (persons with disabilities) affairs and ensuring their wellbeing,” he said.

Wong, who is also assistant director of the Beautiful Gate OKU Centre in Kampung Baru Mambau, said she was expressed very excited to be appointed and hopes to help the community, especially in providing disabled facilities in public places around Seremban.