THE Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (the Bill) was unanimously passed in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) today, paving the way for increased representation and improved service delivery through the appointment of more councillors in local authorities.
The Bill, tabled by Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, saw the latest amendment to the Local Authorities Ordinance, 1996 [Cap. 20] (the Ordinance), the first since 2020.
After five years, he said, it is deemed necessary to update the current development, and to amend the provisions in the Ordinance in order to meet the changes and expectations of the present situation.
Currently, he said there are twenty-seven councils in Sarawak under the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, including the newly created councils, namely Gedong District Council, Sebuyau District Council, and Siburan District Council.
“All of these twenty-seven councils are practising councillorship system in their administration to serve the public and community in their respective jurisdictions.
“As the population grows, particularly in areas under the jurisdiction of major councils such as City Councils and Municipal Councils, the needs of the constituents become more diverse and complex.
“Therefore, it is essential for local representation at the community level to be increased to better serve the needs of the people,” he said when tabling the Bill during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
He said the City and Municipal Councils are currently overburdened by various workloads, resulting in slower response time which triggers dissatisfaction of the people toward services rendered by the councils.
“Thus, by increasing the numbers of Councillors in major councils, it will ensure grassroots participation, community engagement, and more effective service delivery to the rakyat,” said Dr Sim.
Meanwhile, in his winding-up speech, with the increasing number of councillors, it can improve planning and service delivery as well as strengthening the link between the leaders and the people, especially in major councils.
“This can lead to more equitable, efficient and accountable service delivery, which is the ultimate goal of any local government system,” he said.
With additional councillors, he also said it can improve service delivery, such as effective monitoring of projects and services.
Governance of local councils are more inclusive, to ensure that development reflects the diversity of the population.
“Citizens are more likely and prefer to engage with Councillors who are visible, accessible and able to respond to complaints, issues and requests faster.
“Local issues, conflicts and disputes can be effectively resolved with immediate resolution of problems on the ground,” he said.
