SARIKEI: Opposition in the state only rely on the weaknesses in the government system to make its mark with the people.
In stating this, Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan said the opposition’s role in the state was mainly focused on looking for weaknesses or faults in the government system which they would manipulate to discredit the government.
“The opposition in the state (otherwise) has nothing to offer. They simply cannot make promises knowing that they have no means to fulfil them. Hence, their role in the state is merely to oppose for the sake of opposing,” he said.
Mawan therefore advised all components of the government system at federal, state and local government level to make it a point to minimize or avoid any shortcoming in performance.
In that respect also, Mawan urged government officials at all levels to capitalize on all the advantages they had to outdo the opposition in serving the people.
For instance, the government had the means to implement the development projects and programmes to improve the socio economic well-being of the people.
“Members of the various government agencies comprising of ministers, officers, councilors and community leaders as components of the government’s delivery system ought to work closely in order to perform up to expectation,” he stressed when witnessing the swearing-in of councillors for Meradong/Julau District Council (MJDC) here yesterday.
In view of the changing trend in people’s way of thinking, those entrusted to represent the government should strive to adapt themselves to the situation, advised Mawan who was particularly concerned with the new media of communication with the young generation.
“We should be aware that there are about 40 per cent of young voters who depended on social media or Internet as their main source of information. We have to communicate with the youngsters through the social media to relay to accurate information and to counter the anti-government propaganda manufactured by irresponsible parties aimed at discrediting the government,” he said.
Meradong District Officer Mustapa Julaihi who was sworn-in as MJDC chairman for 2014-2015 term, in his speech pledged to give his full commitment to ensure all areas under MJDC jurisdiction – Meradong, Julau and Pakan – are accorded due attention. In that respect he called on all councillors to work as team and to be responsive to the voice of the people.
He hoped to get co-operation from all the government agencies and looked forward to co-ordinate with non-governmental organisations in serving the local community.
Other councillors sworn-in during the ceremony were Peter Ling Kwong Hung (deputy chairman); Abdul Rahman Embong, Aloysius Ambas Koh, Changgan Chindan, Felician Teo, Gung Chiu Kion, Halmi Morsili, Hii Ru Yee, James Watt Ngumbang, Japar Itam, Jimbun Radin, Juna Ugik, Kiu Chiong Chui, Liman Lawo, Ling Siew Kiek, Ling Ting, Lu Bee Ing, Michael Sawong Jawi, Nicholas Abu Seman Thomas, Nicholas Nyadang, Patimah Bilaka, Patrick Soo Wee Chong, Peter Saow, Senaun Jaya, Siew Sing Hua, Sin Su Kiak, Tekong Ranggi, Sung Sing Tai, Usop Bengkok and Wong Kim Tuang @ Wong King Tuang.
Among those present were a political secretary to the Chief Minister Paul Igai, MJDC secretary Adrian Luang and local community leaders.