KUCHING: Local councillors play a crucial role in bridging the community, the local council, and the government, which will indirectly determine the quality of life among the local residents.
Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said as they are part of the government and considered frontliners to the community, they must be prepared to serve the people round the clock.
He said local councillors are expected to engage and communicate with the residents in the respective zone assigned to them and forward the various problems and requests to the council as well as other agencies.
“Yes, it is undeniable that they bear many other responsibilities; hence, the local community should also support and work with the local councillors of their respective area or zone,” he said.
Citing an incident when a street light was not working, Dr Sim said it was actually under the purview of Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), as the local council was only responsible for paying the bills.
“But, whenever this happens, most of the residents will think about informing the local council or councillors first instead of SEB.
“This is because not everyone can differentiate or know the exact roles and duties of each agency. So, as a councillor, they must always be prepared to help and address the people’s issues. They are part of the government; they are the frontliners,” he said.
Therefore, Dr Sim urged the local community, council staff, and officers, as well as other supporting agencies and departments, to work together with all the councillors to ensure the quality of life among the local residents.
“I hope all of us are on the same page (in solving various issues) in order to continue to move forward. Just like the wheels of a vehicle, in order to move fast, they must move in the same direction,” he said.
He was speaking after witnessing the swearing-in ceremony for 31 councillors of the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) for 2023–2025, with Tan Kai taking the lead to take an oath as the new council chairman, replacing Lo Khere Chiang at MPP headquarters here today.
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, also said councillors must also act as checks and measures to ensure the council and its contractors carry out the works and services effectively.
MPP, he said, led by the former chairman Lo, for more than a decade, has been heading in the right direction to achieve municipality by providing good services to the people.
He is confident that the good work will continue under the leadership of Tan.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government II Michael Tiang and the ministry’s permanent secretary Elizabeth Loh, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, as well as Lo, were among those present at the ceremony.
