Abdul Karim (from row, centre) and Bayoi (fourth right) in a group photo with the councillors for the 2014-2015 term. — Photo by Chimon Upon.
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Fourteen new faces were among the 30 Samarahan District Council (SDC) councillors officially sworn in for the 2014-2015 term yesterday.
The new term also saw seven additional members appointed to the council, raising the total number of councillors to 30 from 23 previously. They comprised representatives from Barisan Nasional component parties and one from a non-governmental organisation (NGO).
Assistant Youth Development Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who is also Asajaya assemblyman and Assistant Housing Minister, presided at the swearing-in ceremony held at Kota Samarahan Civic Centre here.
Addressing the councillors, Abdul Karim advised them to be prepared to undertake an increasingly demanding role to improve the Samarahan areas and local community.
“Kota Samarahan District has witnessed significant changes in recent years with rapid development emerging in all sectors including infrastructure, residential and facilities,” he said.
Noting that the council would shoulder wider responsibilities, Abdul Karim also told the councillors to work together to ensure an efficient service delivery.
“Your fundamental role as a councillor is to serve and represent the interests of your community as a whole,” he reminded them.
“As such, it is important that councillors enhance their roles and functions and focus on works on how to improve the living standard of their local community,” he added.
Abdul Karim also reminded both new and reappointed councillors, even though they might not be from or residing in the area, to be more attentive to the issues and problems that might arise.
“We need to pay more attention to what’s going on in our respective areas in order to meet the needs and expectations of the local community,” he said.
On another note, he expressed hope that the councillors would be the last batch to lead the district council before it eventually becomes a city council.
Meanwhile, SDC walikota Datuk Frederick Bayoi Manggie hoped the councillors would assist and steer the council towards achieving its vision and mission.
“More importantly, we must act as a bridge for the government and provide the support that will bring about positive transformation for better development of Samarahan district,” he said.
“Be professional in carrying your duties and responsibilities, especially ethics during meetings and respecting the decisions made by the chairman and members of the council,” he reminded them.
The new councillors comprised 20 from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), three from Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), three from Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP), three from Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) and one from an NGO.
The reappointed councillors are Zakiah Basah, Zol Nono, Benking Dakak, Daily Joseph, Jamaiah Adeni, Boniface Nyiek Mawin, Bakar Suut, Bujang Dilah, Tegak Mat, Awang Seperi Awang Lee, Jackson Melintang Budit, Roland Manggis, Chin Vui Khun, Liu Ted Kong and Dr Chiew Kian Peng.
The new councillors are Junaidi Awang Chi, David Jiku Nader and Seman Mok (for Kota Samarahan); Mahani Sahari, Alwy Tambi, Grunsin Luyoh (Asajaya); Nyanoh Jepoon, Abdul Rahim Mahmud, Lacak Sobeng, Jamil Harbi and Johari Leman (Sadong Jaya); Nancy Freda John, Augustine Wong Chung Ho and Kamarau Entalai (Kuching).
The council also threw a Chinese New Year lunch yesterday, during which they tossed ‘yee sang’ and were entertained by a colourful lion dance performance.