KUCHING: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) needs to ensure that the communities living under its jurisdiction recognise the council members who have been appointed, said Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said that MBKS, which indeed covers a large area, needs its council members to be a familiar face to the residents.
“We must make sure the citizens know who is the councillor. This is important because we are here to serve and make life better for your city, my city, and our city.
“That’s why you need to go to the ground, do a lot of engagement, understand the need, and also do activities that explain council and government policies as well as engage different segments apart from residents in the community and stakeholders,” he said at the MBKS council swearing-in ceremony for the 2023-2025 term at the MBKS building here today (April 1).
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, said that the mayor, deputy mayor, and councillors play an important role as they not only represent MBKS but also the Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Ministry.
“You have two very important roles, one of which involves municipal services including street lights, grass cutting, garbage collection, roads and traffic congestion, drains, and flash floods.
“However, we always need other agencies because if the street lights are damaged or not working, the community will complain to the council even though it is actually under the responsibility of SESCO.
“The public does not care whether it is under the responsibility of the local authority, SESCO, or Trienekens. What they know is that we are all part of the Sarawak government,” he added.
Dr Sim witnessed the swearing-in ceremony, which started at 7.30am with Datuk Wee Hong Seng taking his oath as mayor for the third term, along with his deputy, Hilmy Othman, and 29 councillors, including 17 newly appointed for the 2023–2025 term.
The 17 newly appointed councillors were Albert Tay Seng Pin of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Andy Lester Tan (SUPP), Bong Siak Peng (SUPP), Candida Entri (Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu or PBB), Eric Tay Tze Kok (SUPP), Fadzillah Ahmadi Ali (PBB), Hemang Yu Abit (Parti Rakyat Sarawak or PRS), Jong Jia Chee (SUPP), Judy Kho Poh Gek (SUPP), Kiing Sie Ying (SUPP), Liew Leong Yee (SUPP), Misiah Abdullah@Emiss Berudi (PRS), Mohd Badrulhisyam Mut-Ee (PBB), Othman Bujang (PBB), Roy Percival Rentap (SUPP), Salina Mohammad Salleh (PBB), and Wung Duk Ying (SUPP).
Meanwhile, the other 12 councillors that were re-appointed were Azizi Morni (PBB), Chai Ju Loon (SUPP), Lamanu Talit (Progressive Democratic Party or PDP), Drahman Jaladin (PBB), Dzamaluddin Zainudin (PBB), Isaac Lee Mong Yan (SUPP), Mok Chuang Ping (SUPP), Sa’amah Bojeng (PBB), Shankar Ram Pohumall Asnani (SUPP), Sufian Ateng (PBB), Theresa Dunstan Udam (PDP), and Wilfred Mujah Aton (PDP).
