APPRECIATION: Tiong (centre) presenting a memento to Kieh as (from left) Hii, Ngieng and Morshidi look on.
SIBU: A well-functioning council is truly representative of its community, has good governance system, strong leadership and is connected to the broader community.
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King said a strong local government system was crucial if it were to support the community and provide them with the services they need in an efficient and effective way.
“In local government, we have an enormous privilege and opportunity because councils can impact on most people in some way, every day of their lives,” he said.
He said they needed to constantly innovate, be alert of risks, draw on their intelligence and creativity and most importantly raise their efficiency in order to meet challenges and seize new opportunities.
He said he firmly believed that with their solid foundation, good reputation and cohesive teamwork, they could overcome any obstacle and achieve even greater success.
Tiong was speaking at the SMC Appreciation Night held at a hotel here on Wednesday. On the council’s achievements throughout 2009, he said they had been busy and productive, but that did not mean they could rest on their laurels.
“So I want to challenge all of you to work harder and smarter in the New Year to improve our services. rewarding as when the town grows and develops through our efforts and smart partnership with other government agencies, non governmental organisations and the community,” he said.
Being in the forefront of the three-tier government, the council, like other local authorities, was trying its best to turn the town into a sustainable urban centre which was clean, safe and beautiful, he said.
He added that in carrying out their duties, they should observe the highest level of customer service delivery, adding that the customers now expected quality, flexibility and value in municipal services and facilities.
“In our quest to improve Sibu, we appreciate all the constructive criticism, and appeal for the understanding, support and active participation from the community and all sectors,” he said.
Among those who attended the function were Sibu Resident Sim Kok Kee, Sibu Divisional Health Officer Dr Mohd Rais Abdullah, Rejang Port Authority chairman Vincent Goh, SMC deputy chairman Daniel Ngieng, SMC secretary Hii Chang Kee and senior assistant secretary MorshidiFredrick.
The dinner was also held to bid farewell to outgoing councillor Johnny Kieh Dullah.
Kieh who has been a SMC councillor for six years will be replaced by Kelvin Ensan Kieh.