KUCHING: Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian pledges to comply with the current system as far as the appointments of community leaders and councillors go.
“There will be no change to the system. What does change is the minister-in-charge,” he said when met by reporters after attending a charity function here yesterday.
Dr Sim, who is also SUPP president, said he would hold discussions with leaders of various state Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties before making any decision.
He also assured all quarters that he would not make one-sided decisions, given that the appointment of community leaders and councillors had been based upon recommendations by BN component parties.
Moreover he pointed out that councillors who had been discharging their duties well have nothing to worry about. However, he called on them to prioritise efficiency and performance.
“If you have been doing your job, I do not see the need for you to be worried. Still, we need to deliver what we have promised.
“I will visit all the councils across Sarawak on an annual basis. As the new minister-in-charge, it is my responsibility to do so. I will listen to their problems and monitor their performances.”
Asked whether he would do something about regaining the Kuching City South mayorship for SUPP, Dr Sim said he would look into it.
It is known that previously, the mayorship for the southern zone of the state capital had been held by SUPP until former mayor Chan Seng Khai, who was defeated in the 2006 state election.
Then chief minister Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud decided to fill a non-politician as the mayor — the first was Chong Ted Tsiung who passed away on Aug 3, 2007.
He was succeeded by Datuk James Chan on June 4, 2008. Chan is the fourth Mayor of Kuching City South.