Salim Mehajer: Photo emerges of former Auburn deputy mayor with Kings Cross identity Fadi Ibrahim

A PICTURE showing former deputy mayor Salim Mehajer with Kings Cross identity Fadi Ibrahim and giant bodyguard “Tongan Sam” has emerged, as a probe into Auburn Council’s murky past gets underway today.

• SALIM PAYS TO PARTY WITH RAP ROYALTY
• SALIM’S SISTER WINS MISS LEBANON AUST
• SALIM DENIES SPLITTING WITH WIFE AYSHA

A PICTURE showing former deputy mayor Salim Mehajer with Kings Cross identity Fadi Ibrahim and giant bodyguard “Tongan Sam” has emerged, as a probe into Auburn Council’s murky past gets underway today.

With matching, brilliant-white teeth, Mr Ibrahim and Mr Mehajer appear to be having a great a time in the happy snap, which was ­recently posted to Mr Mehajer’s Facebook page.

Mr Ibrahim, who survived a near-fatal shooting in 2009, looks relaxed as he poses between Mr Mehajer and Tongan Sam, whose real name is Semi Ngata.

A photo from Salim Mehajer’s Facebook page showing him with “Tongan Sam” (far left) and Fadi Ibrahim (left) / Supplied

The image surfaced just as media focus is about to turn on the public inquiry into the former Auburn Council, which will be led by Richard Beasley SC.

The inquiry starts today with an opening address from Commissioner Beasley.

Mr Mehajer, a developer whose wedding celebrations caused a stir last year, was Auburn council’s deputy mayor until it was suspended in February, amid concerns about planning decisions, including rezoning of land that allegedly benefited some councillors.

The inquiry will examine whether councillors complied with the law, whether relationships between councillors were conducted properly and whether the council commanded the community’s confidence.

Auburn and neighbouring Holroyd councils were recently merged into the newly-formed Cumberland Council, with elections due to be held in 2017.

“Hopefully the inquiry will restore community faith in its elected representatives,” former Auburn councillor Irene Simms said.

“I see the need for change. More transparency is required in councillor declarations and I support the view that developers and estate agents should be prohibited from running for local government.”

Salim Mehajer and his wife Aysha / Instagram

The Daily Telegraph was unable to reach Mr Mehajer, who is expected to give evidence to the inquiry, for comment.

Local Government Minister Paul Toole said the newly-formed Cumberland Council, currently run by administrator Viv May, represents a “fresh start.

“In his first week, (Mr May) set up an Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel to increase transparency, integrity and confidence in the development application assessment process,” a spokesman for Mr Toole said.

“The NSW Government has also announced sweeping reforms to the local government integrity regime.

“These tough reforms will help banish self-interest from the council chamber.”

Mr Mehajer, a developer whose wedding celebrations caused a stir last year, was Auburn council’s deputy mayor until it was suspended in February / Picture: John Grainger