MIRI: Councillors should give up their appointment if they cannot meet the expectations of the people and government.
This call came from Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan at the installation and appointment of mayor and councillors of Miri City Council yesterday.
“What is the point of becoming a councillor in name only if you cannot perform?” Dr Chan asked.
“It is not an easy and glamorous appointment. It needs a lot of sacrifices of your time. Those who are too busy with work or cannot afford the time and cannot commit, can come back perhaps in three years’ time,” he said.
He said it will be not fair to the government, city council and people if councillors did not perform as expected of them.
“It will also not be fair to yourself if you do not have time for your business, causing it to suffer. You should be serious with your appointment. It is not just another appointment,” Dr Chan said.
As professionals in their respective fields, he is confident that all councillors can work together as a team to make Miri clean, green and a peaceful city to live in.
“We need councillors able to work closely with society. You are the frontliners and whatever policies you decide should be tailored to the need and expectations of Miri people within the ambit of our law,” said Dr Chan.
The deputy minister also reminded them to work with the various communities and put in more effort to approach and listen to the people.
“Please adhere to the 1Malaysia motto, ‘People First, Performance Now’, only then we can deliver our services promptly, be caring to society and be accountable with our decisions and actions,” he said.
“As councillors you should know what’s happening. There should be no reason to delay responding to the needs of the people,” he added.
Present were Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Peter Chin, Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai Bujang, Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Pujut assemblyman Andy Chia, Lambir assemblyman Aidan Wing and city secretary Anthonio Khati Galis.