Andrew Wong dropped as SMC deputy chairman

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Dato Andrew Wong (File Photo)

Dato Andrew Wong (File Photo)

DATO ANDREW WONG has been dropped as the deputy chairman of Sibu Municipal Council (SMC).

According to a reliable source, Wong will be replaced by a woman councillor from PBB in a surprise move made by the state government.

Likewise, in Miri, its mayor Lawrence Lai’s contract has not been renewed and he will be replaced by Adam Yii, who is SUPP Pujut branch chairman and also the party’s Publicity and Information secretary.

When contacted, the State Cabinet Committee chairman for the appointment of councillors, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, confirmed that the cabinet had approved in principle the appointment of the new councillors which would be finalised today (July 1).

He said the new appointments will take effect from today and would be announced by the Minister for Local Government Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.

The source also revealed that the SMC chairmanship has been allocated to UPP.

In view of that, Datuk Tiong Thai King has tendered his resignation as SMC chairman and recommended Wong to replace him but the move had not been accepted, said the source.

Tiong had been chairman of SMC for the last 12 years while Wong was appointed two and a half years ago.

It is also learned that Wong Zee Yeng, who is also the youth chief of the Women Section of Sarikei SUPP, would take over as the new chairperson of Sarikei District Council.

Zee Yeng was SUPP’s candidate for Maradong in 2006 but failed in her attempt. She was defeated by DAP’s Ting Tze Fui in a four-cornered fight.

In the May 7 state election Ting was defeated by SUPP’s Ding Kuong Hing, who is the former MP of Sarikei.

Meanwhile, when contacted, mayor of Kuching South City Council Dato James Chan said his term will only expire in August next year.

“My appointment is by the chief minister and my term of office will run through until August next year,” said Chan.

MPP chairman Lo Khere Chiang said he had not received any confirmation on his renewed contract to lead the council.

The Batu Kitang assemblyman believed that he could still serve the people through the council.