KUCHING: Local authorities (PBTs) should seek views from both parties, namely the people and the government before implementing a development plan.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that in planning a city development, the administrators would not be able to avoid criticism as there would be some side-by-side viewing.
However, as a whole, Karim said the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) managed to do their job well in line with the obligations entrusted to them.
For example, DBKU moves fast to solve problems that are being reported to them, thus showing effectiveness in the organisation.
This was disclosed by Karim in a ‘Special Meeting of Minister of Tourism, Arts, Youth and Sports with DBKU’ here yesterday, attended by Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Snowdan Lawan and DBKU Mayor Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai.
Karim said that in order to ensure that every development done has a mutual benefit, the PBT as the party responsible for taking care of a city or area needs to have views from both parties.
“We have to listen to what the government asks and wishes, besides what the people want and it should be balanced,” he said.
In the meantime, he described the aspiration of Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud to see the city of Kuching as a vibrant city is fully supported.
“I love the aspirations of Tun who want to see Kuching as a vibrant city- it has a deep meaning, because if a city is developing, there is a soul in it, in which the city has parks, museums, cultures, recreational parks, night hawkers, entertainment area, neon lights and so on,” he explained.
Karim added, DBKU must champion their voices to engage in the planning of the area under their governance.
“DBKU can not let other parties determine how the drainage system or road system is implemented within the DBKU area, whereas you are the party responsible for these matters,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Karim is convinced that the government’s administration will certainly respond positively to DBKU’s participation in planning development involving their area.
