Datuk James Chan
KUCHING: The services of Kuching South mayor Datuk James Chan and Kuching North Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai have been extended until Aug 31 next year, according to sources.
The current term of both Chan and Abang Wahap is due to expire Dec 31.
Traditionally, such appointments are for a period of two years, although it is not unprecedented for the Sarawak government to give an extension of several months.
In fact, their respective terms originally ended on May 31 this year, but Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg announced a seven-month extension for the pair.
The Borneo Post has learnt that this initial extension has now been extended for another eight months.
It is also learnt that Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) is pushing hard to ‘get back’ the Kuching South mayorship – a post traditionally held by the state’s oldest political party up until it suffered its first major election defeat in 2006.
Back then, SUPP heavyweight Chan Seng Khai, who was Kuching South Mayor, lost in the Batu Lintang constituency to Democratic Action Party’s (DAP) Voon Lee Shan.
Following SUPP’s electoral losses, then chief minister and current Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud appointed Chong Ted Tsiung – the first non-politician in Kuching South City Council (MBKS) history – as mayor.
Chong passed away on Aug 3, 2007 and was succeeded by Chan on June 4, 2008. Chan has held the post since.
In recent months, individuals described as SUPP veteran leaders are said to be lobbying hard for the post.
Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai
Among the names mentioned are SUPP vice-president Lily Yong, who is the party’s Padungan branch chairperson and also former Padungan assemblywoman; as well as MBKS councillor Goh Tze Hui.
Sources indicated that SUPP had in fact already submitted several names including Yong to Abang Johari for consideration as mayor, but the chief minister is believed to have rejected the list.
Meanwhile Chan, when contacted, told The Borneo Post that he has not received any official letter pertaining to his service extension, but confirmed that his present term expires on Dec 31.
“I am just grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Kuching, especially those living in MBKS areas. All of us at MBKS are able to work together and with our minister (Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian).”
Chan, 68, added that he would rather wait for official letter on his service extension, saying: “There are so many rumours of so many potential big names circulating around like a tornado, anything can happen.”
He pointed out that like any government process and procedure, there will be official notification from the appropriate authority, and that it would be inappropriate for him to comment further on the matter.
“It’s better for me to continue to serve well until my current term ends on Dec 31. I love my Kuching City too much and I am always ready to serve if the government feels that I can still serve the people.
“Whoever becomes MBKS mayor has to ensure Kuching City’s vibrancy is alive and well, and that people are happy living here while visitors and tourists find our Kuching clean, beautiful and friendly.”
Abang Abdul Wahap when contacted concurred with Chan, saying: “I have not received anything official on the extension. But like what I always do, I’m doing my best to ensure that all my job specifications are done to the best of my abilities.”
The Datuk Bandar said the extension, if confirmed, would give him the chance to ensure the completion of several new Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) projects.
“First, there is the Asia Pacific Orchid Conference 2019 to be held in Kuching. It’s a first for Malaysia; the last one took place in Bangkok. I was part of the team that bid for this (conference) in Okinawa, Japan.
“Second, there is the completion of our (DBKU) very own office building at Jalan Depo, which will be completed next March. I was behind the proposal to build it to elevate our staffing needs and also to showcase several green and energy-saving initiatives.
“The new building will have a hall specifically suited to hold town-hall sessions with the community – the first of its kind in Malaysia,” he pointed out.
Abang Abdul Wahap added that DBKU is looking to launch the Clean, Beautiful and Safe (CBS) 2.0 Enhancement Plan – a continuation of the earlier five-year CBS Enhancement Plan.
The commission will also be launching smoke-free zones in all eateries and food stalls in its jurisdiction, effective Jan 1 next year, he said.
“This programme started last year with the buy-in of all the food stall operators to be with us.
“We spoke at a symposium on Clean Air in Kuala Lumpur on this initiative and apparently in a knee-jerk reaction, the federal government came up with the law on smoking effective Jan 1, 2019.
“With or without this law, DBKU stands as the first local authority to undertake this initiative. I have been invited to attend as a panel speaker at the forthcoming Asia Pacific Cities Against Tobacco in Singapore from Dec 5 to 6,” he said.