Lai signs documents during the ceremony witnessed by Wong (right).
MIRI: All local councils in the state have been asked to implement the Key Performance Index (KPI) system.
Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said as part of their KPIs, councillors should effectively engage with the people to identify problems and issues that may arise.
“The KPI system is something I hope to see being introduced in every council, and I think most councils have done a tremendously good job in implementing it.
“The councillors, on the other hand, are not only there to solve the problems that are faced by the people, but they should be able to anticipate problems as some issues, in fact, could be avoided if they take a more proactive attitude,” he told reporters yesterday after witnessing the swearing-in ceremony for 30 Miri City Council (MCC) councillors.
However, Wong said it is not mandatory for councils to use the KPI system.
“But all in all, KPI has more benefits than it is the other way, thus, they should do what’s best for the council and people,” he pointed out.
He added that councillors should participate fully in functions, programmes and activities organised by council.
Meanwhile, Miri mayor Lawrence Lai said he looks forward to a very challenging year with his new team of councillors.
“I am very happy with the new blood who have joined us, with more than half of them being new members, while among them there is a good mix of male and female and those with professional careers like lawyer, engineer, doctor, accountant as well as representatives from various NGOs (non-governmental organisations),” he said.
Lai revealed that the new team would hold a lab session on March 1 to discuss MCC’s new direction.
“I have of course high hopes for my new team. However, it is still early for me to say. Thus, it would only be fair after the session that only then could I announce it in a proper manner.”
On community development, Lai said he is targeting to improve the approach of councillors to community engagement.