Rayong (centre) rolling the mat when officiating at the ‘Ngiling Bidai’ ceremony at the Lubok Antu District Council hall last Friday.
ENGKILILI: Dr Johnical Rayong wants all councillors in his constituency to work together as a team from now on to improve their competency.
According to the Engkilili assemblyman when speaking to The Borneo Post yesterday, there was no better way for them to serve the people other than cooperating with one another.
Rayong was referring to the recent statement by Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh that the tenure of all councillors throughout the state would be extended until the next state election provided they serve the people well.
The tenure of all councillors in the state will expire in December this year.
“I have reminded them (councillors) to do so (working as a team) during a dinner last week at the Lubok Antu District Council (MDLA) hall.
“If all councillors work as a team I think the people of Engkilili will enjoy better service from them as serving the people is their job,” added Rayong.
The event Rayong was referring to was a Gawai Dayak closing ceremony held last Friday, which was attended by MDLA staff and councillors.
As representatives of the government, he reminded councillors that they play a vital role in developing the community; hence they should work in unison as a team.
“By asking the councillors to work as a team doesn’t mean they are not competent.
“I just think that they can achieve greater results in serving the people if there is team spirit among them,” he continued.
He added the people in Engkilili area covering Ulu Skrang, Skrang proper, Engkilili town and small sections of Betong and Lubok Antu districts would definitely enjoy better service from the local government should they work efficiently among themselves.
Communication between the councillors might also improve as they need to contact each other in addressing the everyday issues faced by the people in Engkilili, he pointed out.
On the other hand, he continued, the people should see the appointment of councillors as a gift in return for giving political support to the people’s representatives.
He said to become a councillor one must have wide experience in local government or have achieved distinction in any profession, commerce or industry besides the willingness to serve the people.