Chan (left) presents a souvenir to Dr Sim after the launch of the MBKS Pre-Gawai celebration. — Photo by Tan Song Wei
KUCHING: Kuching City South Council (MBKS) spent some RM29 million on roads and drains last year, says its mayor Dato James Chan Khay Syn.
“But we are still doing okay because we practise good financial management. We don’t talk about how good we are. We let the people outside to judge us and what we have done to improve their lives.
“We will ensure that Kuching South will be the most vibrant and livable city in this region.
“This is not easy, but with the new Local Government Minister (Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian) we will work together with him,” he said at the MBKS Pre-Gawai celebration yesterday, adding that MBKS ranked number three in the state in terms of compliance to financial regulations according to the auditor’s report.
Chan thanked all MBKS staff, particularly the Dayak staff, for their services to the people throughout the year.
“Every day is stressful as the council’s works never end. We get all sorts of feedback from the people and we try our best to resolve their problems.
“The staff deserve their Gawai leave for all their hard work,” he said.
He also commended Dr Sim, who was recently appointed the minister in-charge of local government.
“Dr Sim is a heart specialist who is willing to serve the people. He could have earned big money overseas, but he took up the challenge. He chose to come back to serve the local community,” he said.
Dr Sim was the special guest to launch the Pre-Gawai celebration that took place at the MBKS foyer.
Bidayuh community leader Temenggong Austin Dimin, Chinese community leader Temenggong Lu Kim Yong and others were among those present.