A Seremban-born man was recently elected the Mayor of Calderdale, West Yorkshire, in England.

Chris Pillai JP (Thiruvenkatar Krishnapillai JP) was to have assumed the office in May last year, but could only carry out his duties as the Mayor-Elect until now, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Vibes quoted Pillai saying that he felt "honoured and privileged" to be elected the first non-English, Malaysian Mayor of the historic town of West Yorkshire, which is situated about 300km northwest of London.

"I wish to carry out my duties in the best postible way to serve the Calderdale community," the portal quoted the 70-year-old saying.

Pillai, who finished his secondary education in the Methodist Boy's School in Kuala Lumpur before his family relocated to Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, left for London, England in 1971 to train as a nurse.

"I was truly blessed to be accepted by the world-famous Moorfields Eye Hospital in London," he recalled to the portal.

Pillai has since advanced to holding various senior roles in the healthcare sector, including as director/partner of Ivy Nursing and Residential Home, Brighouse (1989-2004), and non-executive director at South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust (2002-2006).

His involvement in public office began in 2011 when he became a councillor of Calderdale Council in May 2011. He served as the Deputy Mayor under two different Mayors, before assuming the top post himself.

According to the report, Pillai, as well as his wife, Mayoress Beverley Pillai, have always had keen interest in social, community, and health development sectors.

The couple have three boys - James, Jonathan, and George. They reportedly travel to Malaysia occasionally to catch up with their family and friends in Seremban.

Kudos on your appointment sir. Keep carrying the Malaysian flag abroad!


Source: The Vibes
Photos source: The Vibes