SIBU: As a local authority that formulates policies and regulations, Sibu Municipal Council needs to have its own building, said Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said Wisma Sanyan, the building where the council was located, did not belong to it.
“What does SMC stand for? It is a local authority. You have the authority to tell what everybody has to do, but in this building, you have no authority,” he said in his speech during the SMC’s councillors (2023-2025) swearing-in ceremony here yesterday.
Dr Sim said, however, some politicians commented that instead of using the funds to build a council building, the Sarawak government should channel them for other projects such as drainage system maintenance and more.
“Hopefully, the SMC building will be like the Miri City Council building in Miri. There, you can go to the top floor of the building and get a fantastic view of Miri City.
“Thus, the council building that will be built will be equipped with several facilities for the benefits of the community.
“We will make sure that the council building is a place with a lecture theatre, a library, an amphitheatre and a place where the public can sell their products.
“We want people to come to the local council not only to pay fines and taxes. It will be part of the people and that is what is important,” he said.
