First Malaysian-born mayor in Britain

A woman, originally from Penang, will become the first non-English mayor in England.

Helen Chuah, 61, who was Colchester Council's deputy mayor for the past year, was recently promoted to mayor.

She will be taking the badge and robes of the mayor's office of Colchester city in a ceremony on Wednesday.

"I feel very honoured and privileged to be elected as the first non-English mayor of this historic town of Britain.

"And I would wish to foster closer ties between Colchester and Malaysia," she toldThe Star.

"There are many Malaysian students at the University of Essex here and together with the Malaysian media presenters based in London, we hope to promote Malaysian culture, food and possible business links as well," said the curry mee fan.

Chuah proudly holding the flags of Penang following her appointment as the Colchester mayor

Chuah left to train as a nurse in Britain in 1971, and worked at the Severalls Hospital in Colchester later.

Then in 1998, she entered the public office as a councillor.

Chuah is married to Englishman Mike Hogg, also a councilor of the city. They have a daughter Rachael, a teacher in London - about 100km from Colchester.

"My one regret is that my late parents will not be here to witness this ceremony. I know they would feel proud and that I have not let them down," she added.

Chuah's three siblings are also proud of her achievement.

Her brother Kean Chee, 58, said the sister's enthusiasm in charity work had been a source of inspiration for his two sons.

"We all still have a close relationship although she has been staying in Britain for the past 40 years. She comes back every year," he said.

In fact, Chuah visited her former school - the St George's Girls' School - in Penang two months ago and impressed the principal Shariffah Afifah Syed Abbas.

Recalling her meeting, Shariffah Afifah said Chuah, who left the school in 1967, was a humble and outstanding person.

"She told me that she is willing to assist and welcome any of our students going to Britain."

Warm Regard, Sara Pandian