Source: IslamOnline.net
http://www.islam-online.net/English/News/2004-02/04/article01.shtml
On February 4, 2004 IslamOnline.net reported, "Holland's Labor Party announced Monday, February 2, the appointment of the first Muslim-Arab member to Amsterdam 's City Council, the highest authority in the capital. Ahmad Abutaleb, of a Moroccan decent, replaces prominent councilor Rob Oudkerk, who was forced to step down last month over a sex scandal that hit headlines. He will be in charge of the important portfolio of social affairs, education and integration. There are more than 100,000 Muslims residing in Amsterdam. Abutaleb, who immigrated to the Netherlands at 16, was the director of the council's department for economic, social and cultural development."