Dr Sim (right) does the Ngajat during the launch of the Pre-Gawai celebration together with MBKS mayor Datuk James Chan (behind Dr Sim) and others. — Photo by Tan Song Wei
KUCHING: Local councils in the state are urged to employ the blue ocean strategy to get their jobs done well.
Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said it was imperative for the councils to look into ways how things had been done and find new ways to improve them.
“Local councils should not just be talking about rubbish, roads, drains or street lights. These are basic things that must be delivered well, so they should no longer be the main agenda.
“Local councils should employ the blue ocean strategy and go into areas that people have not thought of doing. They must not only come up with people-centric programmes but they must also do things that will make the people feel proud to live here,” he said at the Kuching City South Council (MBKS) Pre-Gawai celebration yesterday.
Dr Sim also urged the councils to look into history and laws governing them to see if there was any obsolete or irrelevant laws that hampered their progress.
“Councils should focus on doing their jobs well and not waste money. Even if they do not have enough money, it is not for them to worry, it’s the finance ministry. They should not use it as an excuse that things cannot be done because they don’t have any money.
“Also, if there are any laws passed since 1963 that are no longer relevant or needed, if the laws are not good enough, it is our duty as the minister to amend them. If the existing laws do not support the councils well enough for them to perform their jobs, we can pass new laws.
“We don’t want to hear complaints. We want to find solutions to issues and I will support the councils fully on this matter. I will help them fight for more funding but I expect jobs well done. I will introduce the six monthly Key Performance Index (KPI) not only to senior officials but all under the blue ocean strategy.”
Dr Sim also noted that MBKS did not have a Public Health officer like in Penang where the city hall employed a Public Health officer who was also a doctor.
“This is something the city councils can look into. They will have to find out, not me. I will give all the necessary support,” he said.